IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Photographic 

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Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


© 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  institute  for  Historicai  IV^icroraproductions  /  institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibtiographic  Notaa/Notan  tachniquas  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  Inatituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  the  bast 
originai  copy  available  for  filming.  Featur<>s  of  thia 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagea  in  tha 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  uaual  method  of  filming,  are  checlced  below. 


n 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagia 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurte  et/ou  peiiiculAe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartea  giographiquas  en  couleur 

Coloured  inic  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  biacic)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
RallA  avac  d'autrea  documanta 

Tight  binding  may  cauae  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  cauaar  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
diatortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  iaavaa  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  aa  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouttea 
lore  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mala,  ioraqua  cela  Atait  poasibia,  caa  pages  n'ont 
pea  4t4  filmtea. 


HT]    Additional  commanta:/ 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  At6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  d6tails 
da  cet  exemplaire  qui  aont  paut-Atre  uniquaa  du 
point  da  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mAthoda  normale  de  filmaga 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


I      I   Coloured  pagea/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagtes 


□    Pages  reatored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pagea  reataurAea  et/ou  pelliculAea 


Pagea  diacolourad,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pagea  dAcoiortea,  tachatAes  ou  piquAea 


I     I    Pagea  detached/ 


Pagea  ddtachtea 

Showthroughi 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  inigale  de  I'impreaaion 

Includea  aupplamentary  matarii 
Comprend  du  material  aupplAmentaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


[^  Showthrough/ 

I2\J  Transparence 

I      I  Quality  of  print  variaa/ 

r~n  Includea  aupplamentary  material/ 

I — I  Only  edition  available/ 


Pagea  wholly  or  partially  obacurad  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  bsen  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pagea  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obacurciaa  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  Ati  filmAes  d  nouveau  da  fapon  A 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  poaaible. 


The  CO 
to  the  \ 


The  im 
possibi 
of  the 
filming 


Origin! 
beginn 
the  las 
sion,  o 
other  < 
first  pt 
sion,  a 
or  illua 


The  lai 
shall  o 
TINUE 
which« 

l\Aaps, 
diffare 
entirel 
beginn 
right  a 
requin 
metho 


Commentairea  supplAmantairas; 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  eat  fiimi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-deaaoua. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


/ 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


lairo 

details 
)u«s  du 
It  modifier 
igar  una 
a  filmaga 


Tha  copy  filmad  hara  has  baan  raproducad  thanica 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


Tha  imagaa  appearing  hara  ara  tha  baat  quaiity 
posaibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  Icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacificationa. 


L'axamplaira  filmA  fut  raproduit  grAca  A  la 
ginArositA  da: 

BibliothAqua  nationala  du  Canada 


Laa  imagaa  suivantaa  ont  AtA  raproduitaa  avac  la 
plus  grand  toin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattati  da  l'axamplaira  filmi,  at  an 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


luAaa 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  *.  ii  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printad  or  illustrated  imprea- 
aion.  or  tha  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  bep'nning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illuatratad  impraa- 
aion,  and  ending  on  the  laat  page  with  a  printad 
or  illuatratad  impraasion. 


Lea  axemplairas  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  eat  ImprimAe  sont  fiimis  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  an  tarminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'iiiustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autres  axemplairas 
originaux  sont  filmAs  an  commandant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impreasion  ou  d'iiiustration  at  an  tarminant  par 
la  darniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  laat  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
ahail  contain  tha  aymboi  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  y  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  appliea. 


Un  dea  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
darniire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  la 
cas:  la  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


:aire 


Mapa,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmcicj  at 
different  reduction  ratioa.  Thoaa  too  largi*  x*-.  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  Soft  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framea  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartea,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimAa  A  dea  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
raproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  est  film*  A  partir 
de  I'angle  aupAriaur  gauche,  de  gauche  h  droite. 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'imagas  nAcessaire.  Lea  diagrammea  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthoda. 


by  errata 
ned  to 

lent 

une  pelure, 

fapon  h 


1  2  3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

S 

6 

CANADA 


NATIONAL  LIBRARY 
BIBLIOTHEQUE  NATIONALE 


e    f 


m 


\ 


\ 


SERMON, 


}  I 


DELIVERED    BEFORE    THE 


SOCIETY  FOR  PROPAGATING  THE  GOSPEL 


AMONa 


THE  INDIANS  AND  OTHERS  IN  NORTH  AMERICA, 


At 


THEIR  ANNIVERSARY, 


WOVEMBER  7,  1811. 


BY  JAMES  KENDALL,  A.  M. 
MINISTKR  OF  THE  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  PLYMOUTH. 

BOSTON : 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  ELIOT,  Jtiv. 

1812. 


■9 


1        I" 


i     '»     J 


iit^  i  n 


s^ 


XX  A  MEETING  OB  TUE  SOCIETY   NOV.  7,  1811. 

Voted,  That  the  President,  Dr.  Lathrop,  and  Dr.  RJ-iot,  he 
a  committee,  to  present  the  thanks  of  the  Society  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Kendall  for  his  Sermon,  delivered  before  tliem  tliis  day,  and 
to  request  a  copy  of  it  for  the  press. 

A.  Holmes,  Secretary. 


> 


(( 


*  • 


wore 
the 
the 
ofGl 
of  I.> 


(( 


SERMON. 

,'■■■•.  ■  > 

ACTS.  xiii.  47. 

THE  LORD  UATH  COMMANDED  UB,  SAYING,  I  HAVE  BET  THEE  TO 
BE  A  L.IOHT  OK  THE  GeNTILES,  THAT  THOU  SHOULDE8T  BE 
FOR    SALVATION    UNTO   THE   ENDS   OF   THE   EARTH.  *' 

THE  first  commission,  which  the  Apostles  receiv- 
ed from  their  di\'ine  Master,  required  them  to  **  go 
"  not  into  the  way  of  the  Gentiles  ;"  but  to  "go  rather 
"  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel."*  Hence 
the  preaching  of  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  in 
Christ's  name  began  at  Jerusalem.  And  in  the  histo- 
ry of  the  Acts  we  often  find  these  ministers  of  the  ho- 
ly Jesus  in  the  synagogues  of  the  Jews,  preaching  the 
kingdom  of  God.  The  context  relates  the  conduct 
of  Paul  and  Barnabas  in  this  respect,  and  gives  a  par- 
ticular account  of  the  treatment  they  received  from  the 
Jews  at  Antioch.  Being  in  the  synagogue  on  the  sab- 
bath day,  they  were  requested  by  the  rulers,  after 
the  reading  of  the  law  and  the  prophets,  to  give  a 
word  of  exhortation  to  the  people.  St.  Paul  improves 
the  opportunity  by  applying  what  had  been  read  Irom 
the  scriptures  to  the  character  and  mission  of  the  Son 
of  God.  He  addresses  himself  particularly  to  the  men 
of  Israel,  "  children  of  the  stock  of  Abraham,  saying, 
"  To  you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent."     After  re- 

*  Matthew  X.  5.  6. 


4[j 


*^ 


}• 


H 


\  ■ 


lating  the  crucifixion  and  resurrection  of  Christ  at  Je- 
rusalem, conformable  to  the  predictions  of  their  ovvn 
prophets,  he  adds;  "Be  it  known  unto  you,  therefore, 
"  men  and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preaclied 
**  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  and  by  him  all 
"  that  believe  are  justified  from  all  things,  from  which 
"  they  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses." 
The  Apostle  admonishes  them  of  the  importance  of 
accepting  the  offered  grace,  and  cautions  them  to  *'  be- 
"  ware  lest  that  come  upon  them,  which  was  spoken 
"  of  in  the  prophets  ;  Behold,  ye  despisers,  and  won- 
"  der,  and  perish."  ' 

Gentiles  as  well,  as  Jews,  were  assembled  at  this 
time  in  the  synagogue  at  Antioch,  who  besought  the 
Apostles  to  preach  these  words  unto  them  the  next 
sabbath.  On  this  occasion,  "  there  came  almost  the 
"  wlible  city  together  to  hear  the  word  of  God."  This 
uncommon  attention  and  respect  shewn  the  Apostles 
excited  the  indignation  of  the  Jews;  and  "  when  they 
saw  the  multitudes,  they  were  filled  with  envy,  and 
spake  against  those  things,  which  were  spoken  by 
**  Paul,  contradicting  and  blaspheming."  The  Apos- 
tles, neither  discouraged  nor  disheartened  by  this  abuse 
from  their  own  countrymen,  "  waxed  bold,  and  said  ; 
"  It  was  neceii^iary,  ihat  the  word  of  God  should  first 
"  have  been  spoken  unto  you  ;  but  seeing  ye  put  it 
"  from  you,  and  judge  yourselves  unworthy  of  ever- 
"lasting  life,  lo,  we  turn  to  the  Gentiles." 


C( 


<( 


By  resisting  the  Holy  Ghost,  by 
of  life  from  them,  by  persecuting  the 


the  word 


putting 

ambassadors 


' 


of 


** 


be- 


>» 


the  Prince  of  peace,  and  by  rcjoctinp  all  the  overtures 
of  mercy,  that  were  offered  theni,  these  unbelitving 
Jews  frustrated  the  grace  of  God  wuh  respect  to  them- 
selves, and  forfeited  the  mercy,  which  they  were  en- 
treated to  accept.     It  was  their  own  blindness  and  ob- 
stinacy, and  not  the  arbitrary  appointment  of  heaven, 
that  rendered  them  so  averse  to  the  gospel,  and  pre- 
vented their  complying  with  the  terms  of  reconciliation, 
which  it  revealed.     After  witnessmg  the  obstinate  un- 
belief of  their  own  countrymen,  no  wonder  these  Apos- 
tles turned  to  the  Gentiles,  who  appeared   better  dis- 
posed towards  the  gospel,  more  deeply  concerned  for 
their  own  immortal  welfare,  and  resolutelv  determined 
by  the  grace  of  God,  on  the  pursuit  and  enjoyment  of 
everlasting  life.*     This  favourable  disposition  in  the 
Gentiles  towards  the  gospel  concurred  with  the  origin- 
al design  and  intent  of  this  gracious  dispensation  ;  and 
also  with  the  express  command  of  Christ  after  his  re- 
surrection.    This  heavenly  light  was  not  to  be  confi- 
ned to  a  single  nation ;  but  was  gradually  to  extend  its 
beams  over  the  whole  earth.     The  last  command  of 
our  risen  Lord  and  Master  required  the  Apostles  to 
"  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
*'  creature  ;  to  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
"  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
"  Ghost :  to  carry  the  glad  tidings  unto  the  uttermost 
**  part  of  the  earth,  that  all  flesh  might  see  and  rejoice 
*'  in  the  Salvation  of  God." 


*  See  Doddiidge's  Exposition,  and  note  on  the  48th.  verse. 


II, 


^; 


\ 


But  the  apostles  on  tliis  occasion  point  the  Jews  to 
tluir  own  scriptures  for  tlieir  authority,  and  prove  horn 
thcMj,  that  they  were  lulfilling  the  predictions  of  tlieir 
own  prophets,  while  they  were  proclaiming  glad  tidings 
to  tlie  Gentiles.     For  so  hath  the   Lord  commanded 


lis,  sav 


'"g. 


I  HAVE   SET     THEE   TO    BE     A    LIGHT     OF 


THE  Gentiles,  that  thou  shouldest  be  for 
Salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
These  words  were  first  delivered  by  the  prophet,  Isaiah, 

light 


with 


It 


express  rcterence  to  the  Messiah.     "  it  is  a 
"  thing,  that  thou  shouldest  be  my  servant  to  raise  up 
"  die  tribes  of  Jacob,  and  to  restore  the  preserved  of 
"Israel.     I  will  also  give  thee   for   a   light 
"  TO    THE    Gentiles  ;  that  thou   mavest    be 
"mv    Salvation     unto     the     ends    of     the 
"earth."*      The   message,  which    this    inspired 
prophet,  in    the    name  of  the    most    high  God,  ad- 
dresses to  the  Messiah,  the  Apostles  apply  to  them- 
selves, as  the  ministers  and  servants  of  Jesus  Christ. 
What  was  prophecy  with  respect  to  Him,  was  a  sol- 
emn charge  to  them.     The  Apostles  considered  the 
command  as  extending  to  them,  and  as  requiring  them 
to  be  the  instruments  of  light  and  Salvation  to  the 
Gentiles — even  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.     Christ 
^va8  the  true  Light,  and  the  Apostles  were  the  lesser 
lights,  revolving  about  the  Sun  of  righteousness,  re- 
ceiving his  rays,  and  reflecting  the  brightness  of  his 
gloi}   upon  "  them,  that  sat  in  darkness,  and  in  the 
"  regions  of  the  shadow  of  death." 
J,.    *  Isaiah  xlix.  6. 


ll 
whii 

CC('<I 

dis|] 
tile 


-'•-x^-' 


** 


llavlnfj^  hlitwn  tlie  occasion  and  circumstances, 
whicii  led  to  the  declaration  in  the  text ;  I  shall  pro- 
ceed to  consider, 

First,  The  orij^inal  design  and  intent  of  the  gospel 
dis|)ensalion,  particularly  with  reference  to  the  Gen- 
tile world. 

Secondly  ;  The  instruments  and  means,  by  which  it 
is  to  be  prop.igated.     And, 

Thirdly  ;  The  motives  to  encourage  and  to  animate 
christians  in  this  service  of  their  divine  Master. 

The  first  thing,  suggested  by  the  text  for  conside- 
ration, is  the  original  design  of  the  gospel,  with  re- 
spcct  to  the  Gentile  world.     I  have  set  thee  for 

A    LIGHT    TO    THE    GeNTILES,    8cC. 

Nothing  can  be  more  manifest,  dian  that  Christiani- 
ty was  designed  by  its  benevolent  Founder  to  be  the 
medium  of  light,  instruction,  and  Salvation  to  all  na- 
tions. This  truth  runs  through  the  bible,  and  is  the 
Alpha  and  Omega  of  the  book  of  life.  Abraham,  the 
father  of  the  faithful,  rejoiced  to  hear  this  truth,  and  he 
heard  it,  and  was  glad.  *'  For  the  scripture,  foreseeing 
**  that  God  would  justify  the  heathen  through  faith, 
"  preached  before  the  gospel  unto  Abraham,  saying, 
"  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed."*  The  pious 
patriarch  believed  the  promise  ages  before  its  accom- 
plishment, and  it  was  counted  to  him  for  righteous- 
ness. He  saw  in  vision  the  Light,  that  should  light- 
en the  Gentiles  as  well,  as  be  the  glory  of  the  people 
of  Israel.     Me  beheld  in  prospect  the  day,  when  tlic 


*  GalatiaiH,  lii.  S. 


r 

I 


blessing,  like  the  beams  of  the  sun,  should  extend  to 
all  the  families  of  the  earth.     In  the  second   IN.iim, 
which  evidently  refers  to  the  Person  and  kingdom  of 
the  Messiah,  we  hear  him  declarin|Tf,  in  these  memo- 
rable words,  his  relation  to  his  Father,  and  ihe  extent 
of  his  dominions  :  *'  The  Lord  hath  said  unto  mc, 
*' Thou  art  my  Son;  this  day  have  I  bej^otten  thee. 
"  Ask  of  me,  and  I   shall  jrive  thee  the  heathen   for 
"  thine  ii'.heritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  tarlh 
"  for  thy  possession."     Corresponding^  with  this  decla- 
ration   are    numerous   passages    in    the    prophecies. 
Isaiah,  who  seems  to  have  been  transjjorted  into  fu- 
turity, and  to  have  beheld  things  to  come,  as  though 
they  were  past,  eontemplating  the  progress  and  extent 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  the  glorious  effects 
of  the  gospel  upon  a  dark  and  benighted  world,  breaks 
out  in  the  language  of  an  evangelist  rather,  than   a 
prophet,  saying;  "The  people  that  walked  in  dark- 
"  ness  have  seen  a  great  light ;  they  that  dwell  in  the 
"  land  of  the  shadow  of  death,  upon  them  hath  the 
"  Hght  shined."*     There  is  no  doubt  an  allusion  here 
to  the  benefits  which  the  heathen  world  would  derive 
from  the  gospel,  and  the  joy,  that  would  result  to  all 
nations  from  the  birth  and  kingdom  of  the  Messiali. 
And  they,  who  have  lived  in  these  last  days,  have  al- 
ready witnessed  the  accomplishment  of  this  prophecy. 
They  have  seen  the  "  Gentiles  come  to  his  light,  and 
kings  to  the  brightness  of  his  rising."t     Under  the 
mild  and  cheering  influence  of  the  Sun  of  righteous- 


Isaiah  ix.  2. 


t  liiaiab  Is.  n. 


f 


ncss,  they  have  ^ecii  in  a  moral  view  the  wilderness 
and  iht  solit;;ry  place  ^laddtmd,  and  the  (kscrl  re- 
joice and  blossom  as  the  rose."*  Our  Saviour  fre- 
queiilly  spoke  of  the  benevolent  purpose,  for  which  he 
came  into  the  world,  and  of  the  prog  ess  and  extent 
of  his  kingdom.  In  order  to  convince  the  Jews, 
that  they  alone  were  not  the  spiritual  seed  of  Abra- 
ham ;  that  other  nations  and  other  people  were  the  ob- 
jects of  divine  mercy,  and  would  become  heirs  of  the 
grace  of  life,  he  assures  them,  that  *'  they  shall  come 
*'  from  the  East,  and  from  the  West,  from  the  North, 
**  and  from  the  S(juth,  and  shall  sit  down  with  Abra- 
"  ham,  and  with  Isaac,  and  with  Jacob,  in  the  king- 
"  dom  of  God.  While  the  children  of  the  kingdom, 
"  the  natural  descendants  of  Abraham,  for  their  unbe- 
"  lief,  shall  be  cast  out  into  outer  darkness."! 

But  the  benevolent  design  of  this  dispensation  of 
grace,  seems  more  clearly  expressed  in  the  commis- 
sion, which  our  Saviour  gave  to  his  disciples  after  his 
resurrection.  In  order  to  sanction  the  heavenly  mis- 
sion, he  points  them  to  his  divine  authority,  saying, 
**  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  earth. 
"  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations — Go  into  all 
'*  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature. 
**  He  that  believeth,  and  is  baptized,  shall  be  saved  ; 
"  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned. — And  ye 
"  shall  be  witnesses  unto  me,  both  in  Jerusalem,  and 


''  laaiah  xxxv.  1.    +  Matthew  viii.  11,  12.  Luke  xiii.  28,  20. 
n 


-....►»-•  •• 


-^rv 


10 


"  in  all  Judea,  and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  uttcnnost 
'•  part  of  the  earth."* 

Saint  Paul  was  not,  indeed,  present,  when  this 
charu^c  was  delivered.  But  after  his  conversion  he 
was  specially  commissioned,  and  sent  to  the  Gentiles, 
"  to  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness 
"  to  li^ht,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God."t 
So  confident  was  he  of  the  design  and  purpose  of  his 
heavenly  mission,  and  so  fully  persuaded,  that  the  hea- 
then world  were  to  become  heirs  of  the  grace  of  life, 
that  with  all  boldness  he  declared  unto  the  Jews,  "  that 
"  the  Salvation  of  God  was  sent  unto  the  Gentiles,  and 
*'  that  they  would  hear  it. "J  This  Apostle  was  a  cho- 
sen vessel  to  bear  Christ's  name  among  the  Gentiles. 
He  was  set  as  a  light  to  them  ;  and  through  his  instru- 
mentality, by  the  force  of  his  reasoning,  and  the  power 
of  his  eloquence,  "  He  who  commanded  the  light  to 
*'  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shincd  into  their  hearts, 
"  and  given  them  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
"  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ."^ 

By  the  vision  of  Peter,  and  the  account  of  his  visit 
to  Cornelius,  we  further  lean.,  that  it  was  the  design 
of  heaven  by  the  gospel  to  send  the  knowledge  of  Sal- 
vation to  the  Gentiles.  This  Apostle  was  prejudiced 
in  favour  of  the  Jewish  nation.  Notwithstanding  the 
nature  of  his  instructions,  which  he  had  just  received 
from  his  divine  Master,  he  still  thought,  that  the  mer- 
cy of  God  could  not  reach  beyond  his  own  couiitry- 

*  MattluMv  xwiii.  18,  19.     Mark  wi.  15,  10.     Acts  i.  8. 
'     f  Acts  xxvi.  18.  \  Acts  xxviii.  2!!.  ^  2  Cor.  iv.  G. 


11 


uttcnnost 

vhcn   this 
crsion  he 
Gentiles, 
darkness 
)  God."t 
>se  of  his 
the  liea- 
e  of  life, 
»'s,  "  that 
tiles,  and 
as  a  cho- 
Gentiles. 
is  instrii- 
le  power 
light  to 
r  hearts, 
e  of  the 

his  visit 
't  desig-n 
:^  of  Sal- 
jiidiced 
ling  the 
eccived 
»e  nier- 
Juiitrj-- 

.  8. 
Iv.  G. 


men ;  that  all  besides  were  doomed  to  perpetual  dark- 
ness and  dctilcniciii,  and  unfit  for  the  service  or  enjoy- 
ment  oi  heaven.  An«.i  it  recjuired  a  miracle  to  con- 
vince him,  that  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  was  not  straiten- 
ed ;  that  what  He  had  cleansed  was  neither  common, 
nor  unclean  ;  that  incense  might  ascend  to  heaven  even 
from  among  the  altars  of  paganism  ;  that  prayers  and 
alms  were  found,  and  accepted,  where  there  was  nei- 
ther priest  nor  Levite  ;  that  "  God,  of  a  truth,  is  no 
"  respecter  of  persons  ;  but  in  every  nation  he,  that 
"  feareth  him,  and  woiketh  righteousness,  is  uccepled 
"  with  him."*  Although  the  piety  and  charily  of 
Cornelius  were  not  the  meritorious  ground  of  his  jus- 
tification before  God,  they  were  the  means  of  prepar- 
ing his  mind  for  increasing  light,  and  of  bringing  him 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of  Salvation  by  a  Re- 
deemer. After  this  interesting  scene,  the  AposUe 
could  not  doubt  any  more,  than  his  brethren,  the  Jews, 
that  ''  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  had  granted  repentance 
unto  life."t 

Not  less  to  our  purpose  is  the  vision  of  St.  John, 
in  his  old  age,  on  the  island  of  Patmos.  Among  other 
important  things,  that  were  communicated  to  this  ven- 
erable Apostle  and  prophet,  he  was  permitted  to  hear, 
and  see,  the  number  of  the  servants  of  God,  who  \\ero 
sealed.  Besides  the  hundred  and  fort}'  and  four  thou- 
sand,  of  all  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  he  "  be- 
"  held,  and,  lo,  a  great  multitude,  which  no  man  could 
'*  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds,  and  people, 


*  ,^o!s  X. 


t  Ac  Si.  \i.  1<', 


12 


I 


"and  tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  before  the 
"Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms  in  their 
"hands;  and  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Salva- 
"  tion  to  our  God,  who  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
"unto  the  Lamb."*  This  sublime  vision  represents 
the  extent  of  the  gospel,  and  the  increase  of  the  chris- 
tian church  among  all  nations,  and  inspires  the  hope, 
that  it  will  one  day  become  the  medium  of  light  and 
Salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  It  intimates  fur- 
ther, that  all,  who  are  siived,  of  whatever  nation,  or  peo- 
ple, or  language,  will  be  saved  only  through  the  mer- 
its and  efficacy  of  Christ's  atoiv  ment  and  mediation. 
That  is,  they  will  ascribe  their  Salvation  both  to  Him, 
^vho  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb.  If 
Christ  made  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world,  it  is  an  evidence,  that  the  whole  world  were 
guilty,  and  '^eeded  such  a  sacrifice.  I  do  not  mean 
to  suggest,  that  none  can  be  saved,  who  have  nev- 
er enjoyed  the  advantages  of  an  external  revelation, 
nor  seen  the  light  of  the  gospel,  nor  heard  of  the 
name  of  Jesus.  I  believe  there  may  be  the  spirit  of 
faith,  where  the  object  of  it  is  not  seen,  and  where 
the  voice  is  not  hcard.f  I  could  sooner  indulge  the 
hope,  that  the  wretched,  deluded  victims  of  Jugger- 
naut, "  who  know  not  what  they  do,"  were  the  objects 
of  divine  commiseration  and  forgiveness,  than  believe, 
that  God  had  doomed  to  everlasting  peidition  all,  who 
have  never  heard  c .'  Christ,  and  for  not  believing  in 
him,  oi  whom  tiny  have  not  heard.     And  is  there  no 


*  Rev.  vii.  0.  10. 


f  Note  A. 


)efore  the 
s  in  their 
ig,  Salva- 
one,  and 
epresents 
he  chris- 
hc  hope, 
light  and 
lates  f'ur- 
,  or  peo- 
the  mer- 
ediation. 
to  Him, 
mb.     If 
2  whole 
Id   were 
•t  mean 
ve  nev- 
elation, 

of  the 
pirif  of 

where 
ige  the 
ugger. 
objects 
leiieve, 

1,  who 
ing  in 

re  no 


13 

foundation  for  this  preference,  but  in  the  sympathy  of 
the  si)eaker  ?  Will  it  be  deemed  unchristian  to  ask, 
whether  that  compassionate  Saviour,  who  so  often 
wept  over  the  blindness,  the  obstinacy,  the  infatuation 
of  his  guilty  countrymen,  to  whom  he  repeatedly  of- 
fered the  message  of  reconciliation,  and  who  as  often 
rejected  it ;  who  so  earnestly  desired  and  affectionately 
intreated  them  to  take  refuge  under  the  wings  of  his 
grace  ;  who  employed  his  last  breath  in  interceding 
for  mercy  for  his  murderers,  wafting  to  heaven  an 
apology  for  the  crime,  "  Father,  forgive  them  ;  for 
"they  know  not  what  they  do  ;" — Will  this  Jesus  feel 
less  pity,  can  he  find  no  apology,  will  he  offer  no  inter- 
cession, for  the  poor,  infatuated />?7^rmj,  who,  conscious 
that  some  sacrifice  must  be  made  for  his  sins,  and  see- 
ing no  Lamb  in  the  thicket^  devotes  his  own  life,  be- 
cause he  has  nothing  dearer,  to  appease  the  wrath  of 
heaven — leaving  his  bones  to  whiten  upon  the  plains 
as  a  monument  of  his  delusion,  and  to  excite  the  pity 
of  the  christian  ?*  Althou.^h  this  ignorance  should 
not  be  winked  at,  sure  I  am,  that  the  subject  of  it  is 
less  criminal,  and  will  be  beaten  with  fewer  stripes, 
than  ihose  pretended  cliristians,  w  ho  make  a  traffick  of 
diis  pilgrimage,  and  who,  like  the  vultures,  fatten  upon 
the  victiins  of  this  delusion. f 

A  righteous  and  merciful  God  will,  undoubtedly, 
make  a  discrimination  between  that  error  and  delusion, 
which  are  *he  consequence  of  having  wilfully  rejected 
the  light,  and  such  as  result  from  the  circumstance  of 


I 


*  ^^otc  B. 


7  Note  C. 


i 


I 


14 

having  been  bom,  where  tliere  is  no  light.  It  will  at 
least  be  more  toieiabie  for  the  latter  in  the  day  of 
judgment  than  the  former.  And  if  a  meek,  humble, 
and  contrite  heart  be  found  under  cover  of  this  delu- 
sion, are  we  not  authorized  to  hope,  that  a  place  will 
be  provided  for  it,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  in  some 
one  of  the  many  mansions  of  bliss.  The  qualifica- 
tions for  the  kingdom  of  God  among  nations,  who 
have  never  enjoyed  tiie  benefit  of  revelation,  consist, 
no  doubt,  in  an  improvement  of  the  best  means,  which 
heaven  has  granted,  and  in  a  disposition  to  receive  and 
improve  whatever  further  light  God  may  be  pleased  to 
besto\^  ;  rather  than  in  the  actual  exercise  of  faith  in  a 
religion,  or  in  doctrines,  which  were  never  revealed. 
But  those  virtuous  heathen,  who,  by  improving  well 
the  talent,  that  has  been  given  them,  shall  add  to  the 
innumerable  multitude,  who  will  stand  before  the 
throne,  will  then  learn,  if  not  before,  that  even  their 
Salvation  must  be  ascribed  to  the  merits  and  mediation 
of  the  Son  of  God ;  and  will  join  in  the  new  song, 
saying.   Thou    art    worthy  ;    for   thou   wast 

SLAIN,  AND  HAST   REDEEMED  US  TO  GoD  BY 
THY  BLOOD. 

When  we  consider  the  darkness,  the  ignorance, 
the  error,  and  sin,  in  which  the  Ijeathen  world  are 
generally  involved,  and  the  superior  advantages,  which 
they  enjoy,  who  live  under  the  light  of  the  gospel,  for 
improvement,  for  comfort,  and  happiness  in  this  world, 
and  for  laying  a  foundation,  by  purer  faith  and  more 
perfect  holiness,  for  everlasting  life  and  happiness  in 


f 


the 
pict 
ism, 
no 
the 
Worf 
Si 
mea 


It  win  at 

he  day  of 
,  humble, 

this  dclu. 
place  will 
1,  in  some 

quaiifica- 
ions,  who 
),  consist, 
ms,  which 
:ceive  and 
pleased  to 
r  faith  in  a 

revealed, 
ving  well 
dd  to  the 
'fore  the 
ven  their 
nediation 

w  song, 

U  WAST 
JOD     BY 

norance, 
orld  are 
s,  which 
pel,  for 
s  world, 
id  more 
iness  in 


■1 

i 
i 


IS 

the  world  to  come ;  the  few  examples  of  virtue  and 
pict}',  that  may  be  found  amidst  the  darkness  of  piigan* 
ism,  will  not  be  urged  as  a  reason,  why  we  should  fed 
no  concern,  and  take  no  pains,  to  furnish  them  with 
the  means  of  better  light,  a  purer  faith,  and  a  sublimer 
"worship. 

Secondly.  I  am  to  consider  the  instruments  and 
means  by  which  the  gospel  is  to  be  propagated. 

In  the  first  age  of  Christianity  the  Apostles  were  ap- 
pointed, and  commissioned  by  their  divine  Master, 
and  qualified  by  the  miraculous  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  to  propagate  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  carry 
tlie  glad  tidings  of  Salvation  to  all  nations.  They  were 
set  as  a  light  to  the  Gentiles.  And  by  bearing  on  their 
lips  the  message  of  reconciliation  ;  by  planting  and 
watermg  the  incorruptible  seed ;  by  establishing  and 
building  up  the  church  of  our  Lord  among  many  na- 
tions ;  and,  above  all,  by  leaving  on  record  the  words 
of  eternal  life,  they  have  become  the  instruments  of 
Salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  The  world  is 
now  reaping  the  fruit  of  their  labours,  and  rejoicing 
in  their  light.  They  had  the  greatest  difficuhies  to 
surmount,  the  most  violent  opposition  to  contend 
with.  The  heathen  raged,  and  the  people  imagined  a 
vain  thing.  Kings  of  the  earth  and  rulers  leagued  to- 
gether, and  marshalled  themselves  against  the  Lord 
and  against  his  anointed,  to  impede  the  progress,  and 
to  destroy  the  influence  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 
Tiie  prejudices  of  the  Jews,  and  the  ignorance  and 
idolatry  of  the  Gentiles,  were  to  be  subdued  ;  and  a 


1 
r 


16 

religion,  then  new  in  every  part  of  the  world,  to  be  in- 
troduced, and  esrablished  in  thcii  pli)c< .  Well  might 
this  liitle  ba.id  of  christian  heroes,  in  view  of  these 
diiiiculties,  and  in  the  commencement  of  their  warfare, 
exclaim,  "  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?"  Al- 
mifrhty  Grace  was  sufficient  for  them.  And,  under 
the  standard  of  the  Captain  of  their  Salvation,  and  clad 
in  the  armour  of  God,  they  advanced  to  the  conflict ; 
and  "  came  off  more  than  conqueiors,  through  him 
"  who  '  ith  loved  us,  and  given  himself  for  us.''  The 
rapid  progress  of  the  gospel,  during  the  few  years  of 
their  ministry,  notwithstanding  the  violent  opposi- 
tion it  had  to  encounter,  was  itself  a  miracle,  and 
among  the  strongest  evidences  of  its  divinity.  The 
work  was  manifestly  of  God,  and  could  not  be  over- 
thrown. The  principal  mean  by  which  they  promo- 
ted the  cause,  in  which  they  were  engaged,  was 
preaching  the  gospel.  This  was  "  the  weapon  of 
**  their  warfare  ;"  and  it  was  "  mighty  through  God 
"  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds."*  They 
**  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  ;  but  taught 
"  publickly  and  from  house  to  house,  testifying  both 
"  to  the  Jews  and  also  to  the  Greeks  repentance  to- 
"  ward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Chi  ist. 
"  Bonds  and  afflictions  awaited  thcni ;  but  none  of 
"  these  things  moved  them  ;  neither  counted  (hey  life 
"  dear  unto  themselves,  so  that  they  might  finish  their 
"  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  they  received  of  the 
'•  Lord  Jesus  to  testify  the  gospel  of  ihc  grace  of  God."t 

*  2  Corintliiaus  x.  4.        t  Acta  xx.  20. 


I 


Si 

but 
The! 
nal  II 

catic 

presi 

the 


n 


izf^ 


■^deRft;,.,,^^, 


17 


Since  the  days  of  the  apostles  miracles  have  ceased ; 
but  ihe  evidence  of  their  truth  and  reality  is  not  lost. 
The  holy  scriptures,  which  contain  the  words  of  eter- 
nal life,  and  which  are  the  channel  of  divine  communi- 
cation between  heaven  and  the  hearts  of  men,  arc  still 
preserved  ;  and  a  written  and  preached  gospel  is  now 
the  mediun  of  light  and  Salvation  to  the  world.  In- 
stead of  th  J  miraculous  gifts  of  the  spirit,  which  ena- 
bled the  apostles  without  previous  preparation  to  ad- 
dress every  nation  in  their  own  language,  the  ministers 
of  Jesus  Christ  must  be  qualified  and  endowed  by 
more  ordinary  means.  They  must  study,  in  or- 
der to  be  learned  ;  and  must  be  learned,  and  give 
themselves  to  meditation  and  prayer,  in  order  to  be 
mighty  in  the  scriptures  ;  and  must  be  mighty  in  the 
scriptures,  in  order  to  be  witnesses  to  the  truth  ;  and 
must  he  witnesses  to  the  truth,  in  order  to  be  the  light 
of  the  world. 

Besides  a  well  educated  and  regularly  established 
ministry  to  water,  where  others  have  planted ;  to 
build  upon  a  foundation,  which  others  have  laid ;  "  to 
"  raise  up  the  tribes  of  Jacob,  and  to  restore  the  pre- 
'*  served  of  Israel ;"  there  must  be  a  light  also  to  the 
Gentiles.  There  must  be  messengers  of  Salvation 
unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  But  before  these  messen- 
gers can  give  light  to  others,  they  must  first  be  en- 
lightened themselves.  Nothing  can  be  more  errone- 
ous, than  the  opinion,  that  an  ignorant,  ir iterate  mis- 
sionary is  a  proper  instrument  for  converting  the  Gen- 
tiles, or  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  poor.     In  order 


1 


>.; 


« 


i 

V 


It 

to  be  successful  they  must  be  men  of  intellip;ence  and 
piety,  of  prudence  and  perseverance,  of  meekness  and 
fortitudvi,  that  they  may  endure  hardness  as  go(»d 
soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ.  Not  novices ;  but  men  of 
talents  and  information,  that  they  may  be  able  also  to 
teach  others. 

But  it  is  said,  the  apostles  were  ignorant,  that  they 
were  illiterate,  that  they  were  fishermen  ;  but  were 
nevertheless  commissioned,  and  sent,  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  all  the  world.  They  were  indeed  commis- 
sioned, and  sent  on  this  heavenly  errand.  But  not 
until  they  had  spent  several  years  under  the  immediate 
instruction  of  their  divine  Master.  Not  until  their 
minds  were  miraculously  endowed  with  the  gifts  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  So  far  from  being  sent,  they  were 
expressly  forbidden  to  depart^  and  commanded  to 
wait^  until  they  were  thus  qualified.*  St.  Paul, 
though  not  called,  until  after  this  period,  to  be  an 
Apostle,  was  nevertheless  "  not  a  whit  behind  the 
"  very  chiefest"  of  them.f  He  was  a  chosen  vessel  to 
bear  Christ's  name  among  the  Gentiles.  And  was  he 
unlearned  in  the  wisdom  of  this  world  ?  Was  he  desti- 
tute of  human  knowledge,  or  of  human  attainments  ? 
Wiis  he  ignorant  of  the  manners,  the  customs,  and  the 
habits  of  mankind,  especially  of  the  nations  where  he 
preached  the  gospel  ?  No  ;  he  was  brought  up  at  the 
feet  of  Gamaliel,  one  of  the  profoundest  teachers  of 
the  age.  And  such  was  his  fame  as  a  scholar,  such 
the  display  of  his  talents,  that  he  drew  from  ;  Roman 


Go 

ing 
his 


sui 


*  Acts  i.  4. 


f  2  CoriothiaDs  si.  5. 


I' 


ip!«ncc  and 
:ekness  and 
»s  as  good 
Lit  men  of 
ble  also  to 

,  that  they 

but  were 
5reach  the 
i  commis- 
But  not 
immediate 
intil   their 
he  gifts  of 
they  were 
landed  to 
St.   Paul, 
to  be  an 
ihind  the 

vessel  to 
id  was  he 

he  desti- 
nments  ? 
i,  and  the 
ivhere  he 
jp  at  the 
ichers  of 
lar,  such 

Roman 


19 

Governor  the  confession,  that  he  had  "  much  learn- 
ing."* Besides  his  attainments  in  human  knowledge, 
his  mind  was  enriched  with  the  truths,  and  his  heart 
sanctified  by  the  spirit  of  the  gospel.  It  was  probably 
on  account  ofsuperior  abilities  and  more  extensive  eru- 
dition, that  he  was  selected  from  among  his  brethren, 
as  the  chief  instrument  to  enlighten  the  Gentiles, 
and  pull  down  the  ^'rong  holds  of  pagan  idolatry  and 
superstition. 

I  press  this  idea,  my  brethren,  because  I  consider 
the  want  of  success  in  the  missionary  societies  in  this 
country,  and  the  consequent  objection,  that  has  been 
raised  against  this  mode  of  instruction,  owing  princi- 
pally to  want  of  talents,  or  character,  or  both,  in  too 
gr(;at  a  proportion  of  those,  who  have  been  eniplo}  ed 
in  the  liervice  of  these  societies.     I  do  not  mean  to  in- 
sinuate, that  a  man  cannot  be  a  christian  without  being 
a  scholar.     But  every  good  man  is  not  fit  for  a  teach- 
er.    Neither  would  I  suggest,  that  a  man,  to  be  quali- 
fied for  a  missionary,  must  necessarily  be  acquainted 
with  the  whole  circle  of  the  arts  and  sciences.     But  he 
ought  not  surely  to  be  without  talents,  nor  without 
information,  nor  without  some  learning  in  his  own 
profession.     Much  less  ought  he  to  be  without  char- 
racter,  destitute  of  the  temper,  and  unadorned  with 
the  virtues  and  graces  of  that  gospel,  which  he  pre- 
tends to  propagate.     It  has  been  found  by  experiment, 
that  when  men  of  abilities  and  piety,  and  iniblcmihhed 
moral  character,  whose  sole  object  has  been  to  make 

*  Acts  xxvi.  21. 


n 


20 


J, 


I 


/ 


I'V^'' 


those,  to  ^vhom  they  were  sent,  wiser,  and  better,  and 
happier,  "I'lph  the  instrumentahty  of  a  preached  ^f>s- 
pel,  instea*  ,  proselyting  them  to  a  sect  or  a  party, — 
when  such  men  have  been  employed  in  the  service  of 
missionary  societies,  success  has  generally,  if  not  al- 
ways, attended  their  labours  ;  and  those  societies,  who 
have  been  so  wise,  and  so  fortunate,  as  to  employ 
them,  have  had  no  occasion  to  regret  the  pains  or  ex- 
pense of  doing  it.  I  would  not  be  understood  to  in- 
timate, that  missionary  societies  are  chargeable  v  ith 
knowingly  sending  out  missionaries  of  the  opposite 
character.  But  have  they  not  sometimes  been  de- 
ceived ?  And  have  they  always  taken  as  much  ptiins, 
as  they  ought,  to  be  undeceived  ?  Have  wc  not  on 
some  occasions  been  influenced  more  from  commise- 
ration to  the  personal  wants  of  the  missionaries,  than 
from  any  sanguine  hope  of  benefitting  the  people 
among  whom  they  were  sent.  If  they  be  objects  of 
charity,  let  us  bestow  charity  upon  them.  But  \\  hen 
we  send  lights  to  the  Gentiles,  let  us  send  "  burning 
'*  and  shining  lights  ;"  that  they,  who  walk  in  dark- 
ness, may  discover  the  path,  in  which  they  should  go ; 
and,  by  following  it,  may  be  guided  to  the  FaUier  of 
lights. 

Another  cause,  which  has  often  rendered  the  la- 
bours of  our  missionaries  unsuccessful,  has  been  an 
attempt  to  extend  their  labours  over  too  much  terri- 
tor}\  Instead  of  being  a  iight  set,  they  have  been 
xvandering  stars  ;  and,  by  trying  to  diffuse  their  rays 
over  too  much   space,  they  hjwe  produced  neither 


Ci 


^y        >  ^'*'-— -«-*<►  ...-^^ — .. '*•  -^  *  ,.^^*»M»---- 1  ■■  ■■       ■-  •-.--*•-*-» 


-- «ifc«i.  1*. 


better,  and 
?uchtcl  ^ns- 
a  party, — 
service  of 
if  not  al- 
ietics,  who 
o  employ 
lins  or  ex- 
)od  to  in- 
^•ibJc  V  ith 
'  opposite 
been  dc- 
icli  pains, 
e  not  on 
:ommise- 
ries,  than 
e   people 
bjects  of 
lit  w  hen 
burning 
in  dark- 
)uld  go ; 
"adier  of 

the  la- 
been  an 
h  terri- 
'C  been 
eir  ravs 

neither 


21 

light  nor  heat.  Expcrieri  c  has  she\vn,  that,  in  order 
to  be  useful,  missionaries  must  be  in  some  respects 
stationary  ;  and  to  produce  the  greatest  eflt'ct  the  rays 
of  light  must  be  concentrated,  and  shine  with  a  clear, 
steady,  uniform  lustre.  Itinerant prvaching^  especially 
with  the  character  of  a  great  proportion  ol  those,  who 
assume  the  name  of  itinerants,  is  of  no  service  towards 
promoting  the  cause  of  pure  Christianity.  By  the 
disorder,  and  confusion,  and  fanaticism,  which  mark 
their  path,  they  demonstrate,  that  "  they  run  before 
"  they  are  sent;"  or,  at  least,  that  they  run  without  a 
commission  from  that "  God,"  who  "  is  not  the  author 
*'  of  confusion ;  but  of  peace  and  order  as  in  all  chur- 
"  ches  of  the  saints."  By  this  irregularity  they  dis- 
honour the  name,  discredit  the  religion,  and  multiply 
the  enemies  of  the  holy  Jesus.  The  novelty  of  their 
appearance,  and  the  rapidity  of  their  motion,  may,  like 
the  Cometf  attract  the  gaze,  and  for  a  while  awaken 
the  terror  of  the  ignorant  beholder.  But  on  their  de- 
parture the  mind  is  not  less  in  ignorance  and  dark- 
ness, than  on  their  approach.  Or,  if,  perchance,  the 
more  intelligent,  and  the  better  informed,  should  make 
observations,  they  will  be  found  on  inspection  to  be 
dark  bodies^  and  all  this  blaze  only  the  semblance  of 
light. 

By  itinerants  I  mean  not  to  include  such  men  as 
the  intelligent,  the  pious,  the  brave  Buchanan,  whose 
sole  object  is  to  give  light  to  the  world  ;  and  who  by 
his  indefatigable  "Researches"  has,  more  than  any 
other  man  of  the  age,  prepared  a  path  for  this  light. 


V. 


22 


4 


n 


i 


Neither  would  I  include  nmny  respectable  and  pious 
mi:  .'.ioiuuich,  who,  wiiif  as  go(.d  n  icittiunh,  ui.d  not 
wiilwait  success,  have  laboured  lo  propagate  the  gos- 
pel anioi.g  the  unenlightened  parts  ol  our  own  coun- 
try. But  1  ntcan  those  stU-aulhorized  preachers, 
who,  uh  a  cloak  ior  their  ignorance,  and  sometimes  lor 
their  vices  too,  and  lo  delude  and  deceive  their  unsus- 
pecting and  too  credulous  hearers,  pretend  to  receive 
their  light  and  dieir  credentials  by  a  miracle  directly 
from  heaven.  *'  By  their  Iruits  ye  may  know  them." 
In  order  to  have  missionaries  with  proper  charac- 
ter and  (|ualiiica(ions,  there  must  be  missionary  socie- 
ties and  other  institutions,  whose  benevolent  and  pious 
object  is  to  propagate  the  gospel,  to  extend  the  know- 
ledge of  the  hoi)  scriptures,  to  give  light  to  the  Gen- 
tiles, and  to  be  the  instruments  of  Salvation  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth.  Such  societies  and  institutions  have 
proved  an  incalculable  benefit  to  mankind.  By  con- 
centrating their  energies,  and  by  interesting  themselves 
in  the  situation  of  that  portion  of  their  fellow  creatures, 
who  have  not  the  means,  if  they  have  the  disposition, 
of  providing  themselves  with  religious  instruction, 
the}  have  been  enabled  to  furnish  them  with  the  Book 
of  Life,  to  place  before  them  christian  teachers,  and 
to  receive  in  return  a  blessing  from  them,  who  were 
ready  to  perish.  The  benefit  arising  from  these  insti- 
tutions may  be  learnt  from  the  means  they  have  fur- 
nished for  promoting  christian  knowledge  and  piety j, 
and  which  have  reav.;.ed,  not  only  to  unenlighiei  ed 
portions  of  our  own  country  ;  but  to  the  vast  and  ex- 


tCT 


Vl^ 

no| 

tt 

chl 

it 

i( 


t     ^- 


.,-•'"  -V"*  .,<*«i««»a!Sdrti—  •-'  -■" 


— O^— i*.  ^,^^,^1^^  ■  ip- . 


23 


tensive  regions  of  the  Kast.  Thousands,  who  recent- 
ly s;it  in  darkness,  where  was  no  lif^lil,  hut  th(  dim 
lipht  of  nature,  and  even  this  little  well  nifj;h  extin- 
guished  through  ijj^norance  and  superstition,  have  been 
visited  by  *'  the  Day  spring  from  on  liigli,"  and  are 
now  cheered  with  the  mild  beams  of  "  the  Sim  of 
"  Righteousness."  From  the  liberality  and  piety  of 
christian  institutions,  they  have  seen,  for  tiie  first  time, 
**  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of 
"  them,  that  preach  the  gospel  of  peace,  and  bring 
"  glad  tidings  of  good  things."* 

The  land  of  our  Forefathers  has  taken  the  lead 
in  these  institutions,  and  lias  contributed  moie,  than 
all  the  world  besides,  to  the  propagation  of  the  gos- 
pel, to  give  light  to  the  Gentiles,  and  to  send  Sal- 
vation unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  This  benevolent 
and  pious  example  begins  to  be  imitated  in  America. 
The  spirit  of  our  Fathers,  through  whose  instrumen- 
tality the  light  of  the  gospel  first  beamed  upon  this 
western  world,  seems  to  be  waking  from  its  slumbers, 
and  stirring  up  itself,  to  diffuse  <^his  light  not  only 
through  those  parts  of  our  own  country,  where  it  has 
never  been,  or  but  sparingly,  enjoyed  ;  but  to  reflect  it 
back  upon  those  regions,  in  Asia,  where,  though  lotig 
since  in  darkness,  once  stood  the  golden  candlesticks, 
and  where  He,  who  holdeth  the  stars  in  his  right  hand, 
delighted  to  walk.f 

The  Missionary  and  Bible  Societies,  which  within 
a  few  years  have  been  established,  and  multiplied  with- 


*  Rom,  X.  15, 


t  Rev.  i. 


il 


S\     ' 


24 

out  example  in  this  country,  are  among  the  principal 
means  of  propagating  the  gospel,  and  thus  extending 
the  knowledge  of  the  way  of  Salvation  by  a  Redeemer. 
But  there  are  other  means  and  instruments  besides 
these  of  extending  the  light  and  influence  of  the  gospel. 
Every  christian,  who  cultivates  its  principles  in  his 
own  hcatt,  who  imbibes  its  spirit,  and  who  portrays 
in  his  life  its  virtues  and  graces,  promotes  the  cause  of 
Christianity,  and  becomes  a  light  to  the  world.  Every 
head  of  a  family,  who  gives  his  children  and  his  house- 
hold-a  religious  education,  and  brings  them  up  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  extends  the  influ- 
ence of  the  gospel,  and  is  himself  a  preacher  of  right- 
eousness. Every  christian  Society,  whose  united 
prayers  are  unceasingly  offered  up  for  the  advance- 
ment of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  who  add  alms  to  their 
prayers  to  furnish  the  means  of  light  and  Salvation  to 
such  as  have  no  light,  and  no  hope,  are  the  agents  of 
heaven,  and  labourers  together  with  God,  in  strength- 
ening the  walls  of  Zion,  enlarging  the  borders  of  that 
kingdom,  which  is  not  of  this  wcrld,  and  multiplying 
heirs  of  the  grace  of  life. 

Thirdly.  If  your  patience  be  not  exhausted,  I  will 
briefly  state  in  the  last  place  some  of  the  principal  mo- 
tives, that  may  tend  to  encourage  and  animate  chris- 
tians in  their  exertions  to  propagate  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

One  of  these  motives  arises  from  a  consideration  of 
the  original  design  of  the  gospel,  particularly  with  re- 
spect to  the  Gentile  world.     If  it  were  the  desig:n  of 


4>     i 


■«.t«WfTl'ii«t>l> 


Principal 
^  tending 
leemer. 
besides 

I  gospel, 
in  his 
•ortrays 

ause  of 
Every 
house- 
in  the 

e  influ- 
right- 

united 

vance- 

0  their 
tion  to 
nts  of 
-ngth- 
f  that 
)Iying 

rwill 

mo- 

hris- 

n  of 

n  of 

1  re- 
n  of 


2S 

heaven,  as  was  shewn  in  a  former  part  of  this  dis- 
course, lo  extend  this  blessing  to  the  Gentiles  ;  if  holy 
men  ct  old,  who  spoke  as  they  were  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  looked  forward  with  joy  and  gladness  to 
this  interesting  event ;  if  their  predictions  have  been 
in  the  progress  of  accomplishment  in  every  age  of  the 
christian  church  ;  and  if  the}  now  appear  to  be  in  rapid 
fulriiment ;  we  must  believe,  that  it  is  still  the  purpose 
of  heaven  to  extend  the  blessing  ;  that  the  work,  which 
has  been  begun,  will  continue  to  be  carried  on,  as  it 
ever  has  been,  through  the  instrumentality  of  human 
exertions,  and  by  the  agency  of  christians,  until  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  the  Salvation  of  God.  The 
whole  christian  world  are  witnesses  of  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  ancient  prophecies  relating  to  the  Gentiles ; 
and  the  progress  of  Christianity  in  all  quarters  of  the 
globe,  and  the  vast  means  in  operation  to  extend  a 
knowledge  of  the  holy  scriptures,  declare  them  to  be 
now  in  rapid  fulfilment.  And  is  the  spirit  of  the  Lord 
straitened  ?  Is  his  arm  shortened,  that  he  can  no 
longer  save  ?  Has  the  gracious  promise,  made  to  the 
heralds  of  light  and  Salvation,  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  al- 
"  ways,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world,"  been  stayed  ? 
Has  it  seen  its  completion  ?  Has  it  reached  the  end  f 
Surely  not.  Let  us  then,  as  christians,  consider 
ourselves  as  the  agents  of  heaven  in  propagating 
the  gospel ;  as  messengers  of  light  and  Salvation  to 
the  Gentiles.  Is  it  not  an  honourable,  is  it  not  a  sub- 
lime employment  to  be  associated  with  heaven  in  pro- 
moting a  cause  so  much  to  the  glory  of  God,  so  in- 

D 


V 


t    I' 


26 


teresting-  to  the  souls  of  men  ?  Will  it  not  enhance 
the  felicity  of  the  mansions  above,  to  be  there  recog- 
nized by  those  happy  spirits,  who  have  received  the 
hght  of  life  through  our  instrumentality,  and  who  will 
greet  us  as  "the  servants  of  the  Most  High  God,  who 
"  shew  unto  them  the  way  of  Salvation  ?"  The  voice  of 
prophecy  is  still  echoing  from  the  volume  of  inspira- 
tion, and,  as  a  part  of  the  Gentile  church,  let  us  s]:!eed 
its  accomplishment :  "  Enlarge  the  place  of  thy  ttnt, 
"  and  let  them  stretch  forth  the  curtains  of  thine  habita- 
'*  tions  ;  spare  not,  lengthen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen 
"  thy  stakes  ;  for  thou  shalt  break  forth  on  the  right 
"  hand,  and  on  the  left ;  and  thy  seed  shall  inherit  the 
"  Gentiles,  and  make  the  desolate  cities  to  be  inhab- 
"  ited. — For  a  small  moment  have  I  forsaken  thee  ;  but 
"  with  great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little 
"  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a  moment ;  but 
"  with  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee, 
"  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer."* 

Another  motive  to  stimulate  the  pious  and  the  char- 
itable to  exertion  in  propagating  the  gospel,  and  dif- 
fusing more  extensively  the  light  of  life,  may  be  drawn 
from  a  consideration  of  the  ignorance,  the  darkness, 
and  guilt,  in  which  millions  of  our  fellow  creatures  are 
yet  involved,  who  were  made  of  the  same  blood,  and 
whose  souls  with  ours  arc  d(?stined  to  immortality  ; 
many  of  whom  have  never  seen  the  light  of  the  gospel ; 
and  others  enjoy  but  sparingly  the  means  of  religious 
instruction.     For  a  particulai-  view  of  the  present  state 


*  Isaiah  liv.  2,  3—7,  8. 


t  enhance 
re  iccog. 
reived  the 
Hiio  vviJI 
od,  who 
c  voice  of 
f  inspira- 
us  s])eecl 
til}-  tent, 
ie  habita- 
tiengthen 
tlie  right 
'herit  the 
^e  inhab- 
hee;  but 
n  a  Jittic 
ent;  but 
on  thee, 

he  char- 
and  dif. 
e  drawn 
irkness, 
ires  are 
3d,  and 
'taJity ; 
"ospel  ; 
igious 
It  state 


27 

of  the  heathen  world,  especially  of  the  horrid  super- 
stition and  idolatry,  that  still  prevail  in  the  vast  regions 
of  the  East,  you  are  referred  to  the  interesting  "  Re- 
"  searches"  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Buchanan.  Whoever 
can  peruse  these  sheets  without  commiseration,  with- 
out pity,  without  a  desire  to  do  something  to  chase 
away  this  darkness,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  this  de- 
lusion, and  to  send  ligiit  and  comfort  to  its  miserable 
victims,  must  be  destitute  of  common  humanity ;  much 
more  of  the  sympathy  of  the  christian.  Will  not  a 
people,  cannot  a  nation,  whose  sympathy  is  awakened, 
and  whose  liberality  is  cheerfully  extended  to  the  relief 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  whose  dxvelimgs  have  fallen  a 
sacrifice  to  the  flames,  feel  s^^me  pily  for  the  infatuated 
mourner,  stretched  upon  the  Funeral  Pile  of  her  depar- 
ted Husband,  and  bestow  some  charity  to  rescue  the 
life  of  the  fairest  of  creation  from  the  fire  of  Moloch  *?* 
Shall  christians  feel  less  concern,  or  take  less  pains  to 
pluck  the  souls  of  their  fellow  sinners  as  brands  from 
the  burning,  and  provide  them  with  the  means  of  de- 
liverance from  a  "  fire  that  cannot  be  quenched?" 
V  But  the  particular  object  of  the  Society,  convened 
on  this  occasion,  is  to  propagate  the  gospel  among  the 
Indians  and  others  in  North  America.  If  it  be  our 
duty  as  individuals  and  as  christians  to  provide  for  our- 
selves and  our  household ;  it  is  unquestionably  our 
duty  as  Societies  and  communities  to  provide  for  those 
of  our  own  country  and  nation.  And  there  iu^e  objects 
of  commiseration  and  christian  charity,  scattered  iu 


*  I^ote  D. 


'f 

I 

I 
I    I 


1^.' 


'M 


a 


28f 

remnants  through  these  western  regions  ;  some  of 
of  whom  have  no  light  to  their  feet,  and  no  lamp  to 
their  path.  Others  have  no  oil  in  their  lamps,  and  no 
means  of  replenishing  them.  I  am  aware,  it  will  be 
asked,  whether  the  attempts  to  christianize  the  Indians 
have  been  attended  with  sufficient  success  to  encou- 
rage a  continuance  of  these  exertions  ?  They,  whose 
liberality  is  so  often  taxed  for  the  support  of  mission- 
ary establishments,  have  a  right  to  hope  and  expect 
some  fruit  from  their  charity.  We  can  answer,  that 
these  attempts  have  not  been  without  success ;  and 
where  missionary  labours  have  been  wisely  and  judi- 
ciously directed,  and  faithfully  performed,  the  result 
has  been  such  as  to  authorize  the  belief,  that  it  is 
at  least  practicable  to  meliorate  the  condition,  to  con- 
vey some  light  to  the  mind,  and  inspire  some  hope 
even  in  the  heart  of  a  savage.  When  we  witness 
tlieir  ignorance,  their  stupidity,  and  their  vices,  we 
sometimes  may  be  ready  to  ask,  with  the  despaiiing 
prophet,  "  Can  these  dry  bones  /w<??"*  But  by  conti- 
nuing to  prophesy i  that  is,  by  repeating  our  in-struc- 
tion  with  plainness,  with  patience,  and  with  prajer, 
under  the  influence  and  blessing  of  the  spiiii  ol'  life, 
these  dry  bones  may  at  length  begin  to  move^  aud 
perhaps  to  shake,  and  by  and  by  to  be  nerved  with 
spiritual  strength,  and  breathe  a  new  and  spiritual  life. 
There  is  room,  no  doubt,  for  improvement  in  the 
system  of  missionary  instruction  among  tht;  Indians. 
But  we  must  look  to  a  christian,  chaiitable  pubiick  to 


^  E^ieJuel  xxxvii.  % 


some  of 
lamp  to 

i,  and  no 

it  will  be 
Indians 

0  encou- 
,  whose 

mission- 
expect 

\er,  that 

ss;    and 

nd  jiidi- 
^e  result 

lat  it  is 
>  to  con- 
Tie  hope 

witness 
ces,   we 
spaiiing 
y  conti- 
in-struc- 

jjfaver, 
of  life, 
^e,  aud 
d  with 
Jal  Jife, 
in  the 
idians. 
lick  to 


29 

aid  us  even  in  this  improvement.    Some  preparation 
of  the  mental  soil  is  necessary  as  well,  as  of  ihe  natur- 
al, before  the  incorruptible  seed  will  take  root,  or 
bring  any  fruit  to  perfection.     The  wise  and  expe- 
rienced husbandman  does  not  cast  the  finest  of  the 
wheat  among  the  trees  of  his  forest,  nor  the  shrubs  of 
the  wilderness.    ^\c  first  fells  the  trees,  plucks  out  the 
roots  and  the  stones,  subdues  the  turf,  and  applies  a 
seed  best  adapted  to  its  rough  state.    When  tmie,  and 
labour,  and  industry  have  sufficiently  mellowed  the 
soil,  he  then  casts  in  the  choicest  of  the  grain  ;  and, 
under  the  influence  and  blessing  of  heaven,  gathers  a 
harvest,  some  an  hundred  fold,  some  sixty,  and  some 
thirty.     Somethnig  anala^ous  to   this  must  be  the 
method  of  procedure  with  the  rude  mind  of  a  savage, 
previous  to  his  receiving  to  advantage  the  pure,  refin- 
ed instruction  of  christian  morality  and  piety.     These 
tenants  of  the  woods  are  wild  men  ;  and  they  must  be 
tamed,  before  they  can  be  taught.     They  must  be  wed- 
ded, either  from  inclination  or  habit,  to  the  axe,  the 
plough,  and  the  wheel,  before  they  will  submit  to  the 
moderation,  the  sobriety,  the  self-denial,  and  the  pa- 
tience of  the  christian  life.     Experience  has  shewn, 
that  the  best  success  has  attended  religious  instruction 
among  this  poor  depressed  people,  where  it  has  been 
preceded,  or  at  least  accompanied  with  some  degree  of 
civilization.     The  missionary  should  go  to  them  iiv 
the  double  capacity  of  a  teacher  of  youth,  and  a 
preacher  of  righteousness.     He  should  plant  himself 
by  the  side  of  his  tawny  pupil ;  endeavour  to  do  away 


va 


(I 


.*.  .-.-^>. 


1^    1 


:,-^^ 


so 

that  jealousy,  which  is  so  natural  to  the  Indian,  but 
which  is  at  enmity  with  the  gospel ;  and,  after  the  ex- 
ample of  his  divine  Master,  should  blend  moral  in- 
stniclion  with  a  manifest  interest  and  concern  for  his 
temporal  welfare.  In  this  way  only  can  he  gain  his 
attention,  secure  his  confidence,  and  win  his  heart. 
The  faithful,  pious  labourer  will  not  be  discouraged 
nor  disheartened  by  meeting,  in  the  commencement 
of  his  work,  with  the  wildness  and  rankness  of  uncul- 
tivated nature.  When  these  are  subdued  by  time, 
and  patience,  and  industry,  and  grace,  a  fairer  growth 
will  spring  up  to  reward  his  toils.  And  eveii  amidst 
this  wildness  may  he  not  hope  in  the  progress  of  his 
labours  and  in  his  pastoral  walks  now  and  then  to  find 
the  chaste  and  modest  Fio/et,  half  concealed  by  the 
rankness,  that  surrounds  it ;  and  which,  but  for  hig 
vigilance  and  care,  might  have  been    '  '  ""» 


"  Born  to  blush  unseen, 


i 


"  And  waste  its  fragrance  on  the  desert  ah 


■H : 


But  there  are  others,  besides  the  natives  of  the  soil, 
who  are  objects  of  our  compassion,  and  proper  sub- 
jects for  charitable  instruction.  Some  of  them  are 
now  hungering  for  the  bread,  and  thirsting  for  the  wa- 
ters of  life.  To  such  the  bible,  the  book  of  life, 
the  charter  of  our  Salvation,  would  be  a  treasure  ; 
and  the  voice  of  him,  who  bringcth  glad  tidings, 
cheering  and  delightful  to  the  soul.  Surely  our  char- 
ity cannot  be  better  bestowed,  than  by  giving  light 
and  instruction  to  the  ignorant,  comfort  and  consola- 


i<in»i  »i""" 


31 


ian,  but 

•■  the  Lx- 
oial  in- 
fer his 

gain  his 
|is   heart. 

ou  raged 
fncement 

•f  iincul- 
3y  time, 
"  growth 
^  amidst 
is  of  his 
1  to  find 

Ijy  the 

for  hig 


the  soil, 
er  sub- 
em  are 
the  wa- 
of  life, 
:asure ; 
idings, 
r  char- 
?  light 
insola- 


tion to  the  soiTowful,  hope  to  the  desponding,  and 
Salvation  to  them,  that  are  lost. 

As  a  Soeiety,  my  brethren,  a  weight  of  responsibili- 
ty rests  upon  us.  We  are  stewards  of  the  christian's 
charity.  We  are  the  depository  of  light  and  Salvation 
for  the  poor.  The  spirits  of  our  departed  brethren,* 
whose  counsel,  prayers,  and  alms,  for  a  long  time,  aid- 
ed the  benevolent  and  pious  purpose  of  this  institution, 
seem  to  rise  up  before  us,  and  admonish  us  to  be  faithful. 
Faithful  to  them,  from  whose  liberality  we  receive  the 
means  of  propagating  the  gospel.  And  faithful  to 
our  divine  Master,  who  hath  commanded  us,  saying, 

I  HAVE  SET  THEE  TO  BE  A  LIGHT  OF  THE  GeN- 
TILE3,  THAT  THOU  SHOULDEST  BE  FOR  SALVA- 
TION   UNTO    THE    ENDS    OF    THE    EARTH.        Let    US 

listen  to  the  admonition,  that,  when  we  rest  from  our 
labours,  wc  may  be  prepared  to  join  them  in  a  better 

world,  WHERE  THEY  THAT  BE  WISE  SHALL  SHINE 
AS  THE  BRIGHTNESS  OF  THE  FIRM AMENT  ;  AND 
THEY  THAT  HAVE  TURNED  MANY  TO  RIGHTEOUS- 
NESS,   AS    THE    STARS    FOREVER    AND    EVER. 

AMEN. 

*  Hon.  Francis  Dana  and  Rev.  Dr.  Eckley  died  since  the  last 
anniversary. 


i    \^ 


(I 


-\  ■-■'.'i^' 


f 


r 


1, 

1 


NOTES. 

NoTB  A. 
St.  Paul  in  Uie  Becoiid  chapter  of  hia  epistle  to  the  Romans  aft 
trell,  as  in  other  parts  of  his  epistles,  has  aiithori/.ed  the  belief, 
that  the  benefits  of  Christ's  saoi  Ice  will  e\ten(l  to  thoae  v-iituoui 
heathen,  who  have  had  no  distinct  knowledge  of  a  Saviour.  The 
reader  is  referred  to  this  chapter,  and  to  the  observations  and  ar- 
guments of  the  learned  and  pious  Dr.  Mack  night  in  his  "  View 
*'  and  illustration  of  the  reasoning"  of  the  Apostle  contained  ''  in 
*•  this  chapter." 

Note  B. 

Dr.  Buchanan,  in  his  "  Christian  Researches  in  Asia,"  has  giv- 
en a  particulai'  account  of  the  temple  of  Juggernaut,  and  of  the 
horrid  superstition  and  delusion,  that  reign  there.  The  multi- 
tudes, that  resort  tliither  to  worship  the  idol,  are  almost  without 
number.  "Alack  of  people  (100,000)  would  not  be  missed." 
Many  of  th':;  pilgrims,  through  fatigue  and  privation,  perisli  by  the 
way.  Others  from  infatuation  sacrifice  their  own  lives  as  part  of 
this  idolatrous  worehip.  The  flesh  of  the  wretched  victims,  who 
lie  unbuiied,  is  devoured  by  dogs  and  vultures,  while  the  bones 
remain  scattered  over  the  plains.  Oiu-  souls  are  shocked  by  the 
recital  of  this  horrid  ignorance  and  cruel  superstition,  and  we  are 
astonished  at  this  corruption  and  degiadation  of  human  nature. 
But  we  ought  to  recollect,  that  "  the  Hindoos  of  Juggernaut  have 
"  as  yet  had  no  advantages  of  cliristian  instruction."  They  have 
indeed  been  favoured  with  no  revelation  to  teach  them  the  charac- 
ter of  the  true  God,  and  the  worehip  he  requires  of  his  creatures. 
Even  the  light  of  nature  seems  to  have  been  extinguished  by  the 
darkness  that  siurounds  them.  This  cannot  be  said  in  apology  for 
those  Israelites,  who,  contrary  to  an  express  command  of  Jehovah, 
sacrificed  then'  cliildren  to  Moloch,  and  for  their  apostacy  were 
visited  with  the  righteous  judgments  of  heaven.^    They  had  been 

•  Jeremiah  yir. 


33 


lamsnB  ni 
\he  belief, 
v'iiluous 
|>iir.  The 
ps  and  ar- 
M  "View 
iued  "in 


"  has  giv- 
fid  of  the 
he  miUti- 
t  without 
missed.'* 
isli  by  the 
as  part  of 
ims,  who 
he  hones 
3d  by  the 
id  M'e  are 
n  nature, 
aut  have 
ley  have 
;  charac- 
reatures. 
i  by  the 
iogy  for 
ehovah, 
;y  were 
ad  beeu 


dlstin^iiishRii  from  ilio  idolatrous  iiatioas  mound  tiiom  by  a  spr- 
cial  'cvebtiua,  which  taught  tliem  ttie  uatuie  andcliaracler  of  tlic 
true  God,  and  commauded  tliem  to  worsliip  uo  other.  Tlieir  crime, 
therefore,  appeai-s  to  ue  more  aggravated,  thau  tliat  of  the  poor  in- 
fatuated Hindoos.  Tlic  rigliteous  judgment  of  God,  no  doubt, 
will  have  respect  to  the  condition  and  circumstances  in  wliich  tiiey 
are  placed.  According  to  the  Apostle,  i'aul,  there  was  a  time, 
wheu  the  ignorance  and  idolatrj-  of  the  Athenians  Viotl  winked  at. 
But  after  the  gospel  declared  to  tliem  tlie  true  God,  tliey  were 
commauded  to  repent,  to  turn  from  tiieir  superstilious,  and  worshiiy 
the  God,  who  made  heaven  anii  earth.*  And  \<i  there  no  woi-ship- 
per  at  Juggernaut,  to  whom  the  same  compagsiou  may  be  extend- 
ed ?  May  not  a  merciful  God  wink  at  tlie  ignorance  and  delusion 
of  an  Hindoo  as  well  as  that  of  an  Athenian  ?  While  we  rejoice  in 
the  privileges  and  blessings,  with  which  heaven  has  distinguished 
us,  let  us  pray,  that  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  may  soon  rise  upou 
this  deluded  people ;  dispel  the  ignorance  and  darkness,  that  sur- 
round them,  and  give  them  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory 
of  God  in  tlie  face  of  Jesus  Clu-ist. 

Note  C. 
It  is  not  a  little  surprising,  that  a  nation,  that  has  done  so  much 
in  order  to  convey  the  blessings  of  the  gospel  to  the  pagan  Morld; 
a  nation,  that  has  taken  the  lead  in  the  Abolition  of  the  African 
slave  trade,  and  substituted  an  Institution  for  the  express  purpose 
of  providing  them  mth  the  blessings  of  civilization,  and  thus  pre- 
paring the  way  for  the  better  reception  of  the  still  gieater  blessings 
of  the  gospel,— it  is  not  a  little  surprising  to  find  her  still  drawing 
a  portion  of  revenue  from  an  idolatrous  worship.  Dr.  Buchanan 
states  this  to  be  a  fact,  and  says  the  British  government  in  India 
increases  its  revenue  by  a  tax  levied  upon  the  worshipped  of  Jug- 
gernaut. He  believes,  hoAvever,  the  fact  is  not  knoAvn  to  its  full 
extent  by  the  government  in  England ;  and  that,  whenever  it  is, 
measures  Arill  be  immediately  adopted  to  abolish  the  practice. 

D 

•  Acts  wii,  30. 


i\ 


34 


Note  D. 
By  an  account  taken  in  the  year  1 803,  it  appeared,  that  tw0 
hundred  and  seveuty  five  females  were  Hacriiiced  upoii  the  I'une- 
lai  i'iie  ol  their  Hut-bands  in  one  year  within  :U)  miles  of  Calcutta. 
And  by  another  report  in  1804,  that  115  females  were  sacrificed 
in  the  same  manner,  and  within  the  same  limits,  in  0  months.  At 
the  time  this  diBCourse  was  delivered,  contributions  were  collecting 
in  Boston  and  in  other  cities  in  the  United  States  for  the  purpose 
of  aiding  the  translations  of  the  holy  scriptures  into  the  Hindoo 
Iangu;ige,  in  order  to  put  a  stop  to  this  cruel  and  barbarous  prac- 
tice; and  teach  these  infatuated  raouiiiers  to  sonorv  after  a 
godly  sort. 


.11 


f  ■ 


■      ^|.      ,'! 


i 


APPENDIX. 


th.it  two 
|he  1  une- 

Calcdtta. 
I  sacrificed 
[iitha.  At 
[collecting 

purpose 
|e  Hindoo 
roiis  prac- 

after  a 


INDIANS. 

Marshpec  and  Martha's  lineyard  Indimns. 

Althouh  tlie  charj^c  of  tlicBc  iDdiaiis  hat>  devolved  ou  the  Corpora* 
tioi)  of  Harviird  (.'ollege,  as  -tated  \i\  our  last  Jouriiai ;  yet  w  liatever 
affects  their  religioiiK  chai.  rtcr  and  i:il»  resta  claims  the  notite  of 
tlie  SotiF.TV,  \^hich  has  formerly  had  ihciii  under  its  care.  It  ift 
with  much  patiHlaction  tliat  vcarc  now  able  to  report  the  fieUie- 
meiit  of  a  minister  at  Marslipec,  as  successor  to  that  able  and  faith- 
ful missionary,  Kev.  Mr.  IIawlev,  vho  died  in  1807. 

The  Rev.  Phinehas  Fish  Mas  ordained  a  missionary  on  the 
18th.  of  September  last ;  on  vhich  occasion  the  Ilev.  Dr.  Kirk- 
LAM),  President  of  Harvard  College,  delivered  an  apuropriate 
sermon,  and  several  neighbouring  ministers  performed  tne  oiher 
piiblick  services.  "  The  plantation  of  Marehpee  contains  almost 
the  onl_>  remaining  vestiges  of  the  native  rac<-  of  Massachusetts. 
It  is  an  ancient  and  valuable  location  appropriated  to  the  Indians^ 
but  its  privileges  are  also  extended  to  those  in  aflmity  w  ith  them. 
In  addition  to  the  ;  atronage  ol  the  government,  it  has  been  favour- 
ed vith  a  continued  enjoyment  ol  a  regular  miuifctry  under  men  of 
eminent  piety  and  worth.  The  first  pastor  of  the  place  was  the 
Hev.  Richard  Bouune,  who  gathered  the  chui-ch  and  Mas  or- 
dained there  in  the  year  1570.  The  celebrated  Eliot,  dibtio- 
guislied  for  unwearied  exertions  in  cliristiauizing  the  Indiana,  as- 
sisted on  the  occasion.  Mr.  Bourne  died  in  1085.  Sikon  JPop- 
KANET,  one  of  the  natives,  was  his  successor.  After  his  death,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Bourne,  son  of  the  first  minister  ot  the  plantation, 
was  ordained  there  in  1 729.  He  resigned  his  mii>bion  in  1 742. 
The  oflice  was  then  supplied  by  Solomon  Bhiant,  one  of  the  In- 
dians, who  remained  in  that  employment  until  the  settlement  of 
the  Rev.  Gideon  Hawley,  in  1788.  Mr.  Hawle}  continued  in 
faithful  adherence  to  this  obscure  but  useful  service,  nearly  half  a 
centur>.  He  died  October  3,  1807,  aged  eighty  years.  The 
proprietore  of  the  plantation  are  much  indebted  to  him  for  his  min- 
isteiial  laljours,  and  his  well  directed  exertions  for  the  secure  es- 
tablishment of  their  civil  interests.  He  faithfully  pui-sued  his 
course  with  honest  animation,  amidst  man)  perplexities,  which 
would  have  ballled  common  minds,  but  which  his  prudence  and 
energy  of  character  enabled  him  to  siurmount. — Mr.  Hawley  and 
■ins  predecessors  •  ere  supported  principally  from  tlie  funds  of  the 
So  'ety  in  England  for  propagating  tlie  gospel,  under  ihe  agc.icy 
of  th  ir  commissioners  in  Boston.    The  prescut  niiseionary  is  set- 


II 


Ifi 


I 


V 


36 

llcd  by  llic  roi|mratloii  of  IlarxanI  rollrjjr,  an  iriiMerg  of  a  fiiiul, 
applirahic  lo  tli<>  ixtipoi-f!,  given  h\  (he  la^l  v\\\  (tf  Mir  Pcv.  Dan- 
iKi.  V\  ii.MAMH,  of  Lomloii,  ill  tln'  early  part  of  llie  last  rciiliiry. 
Mr.  ("ihIi  liaH  alto  in  cliai'};(;  a  htiiuli  frttleiiii-iil  of  liidiaiiK  at  licr- 
liiiX  I'oikL,  brUccii  l'l)iiioiit)i  and  Satulvicli.  IliH  eHtubllHlitiieiit 
comn'J'iiccs  jiii<l(!r  favourahle  au>.|)ii"«-H,  uiul  wv  muj  rluriHli  n  fii- 
voiirable  liopc.  tiiat  llu;  iM'iicvolciit  vicuH  of  the  lilx-ral  donor,  Mr. 
WillianiH,  and  of  those  wlio  have  tlie  nian.igement  of  his  bequest, 
will  be  accomi»lishcd." 

Slockhrhfgc  tinHamt. 

The  Society  rontimu'8  to  inaintaiii  a  miPbion  anioiij?  thene  In- 
diaim  at  Now  Siockbridge.  iVothiiig  material  appears  to  have 
occurred  of  late,  if  mc  except  tlie  expreoBioii  of  jealorsieH  on  tho 
part  of  some  of  the  tribe,  in  regard  to  (luir  lands  ;  a  subject,  which, 
60  far  as  it  is  likely  to  affect  the  mission,  will  receive  the  attention 
of  the  Society.  IMr.  Sehoeant,  in  ailditiou  to  his  salary,  receives 
one  hundred  dollars  for  the  maintenance  of  two  Indian  fcIiooIs  ; 
and  tliirty  tlollars  have  be(;n  applied,  tliis  3  car,  to  the  purchase  of 
books  for  the  uee  of  tills  niissiou. 

Narragansetn. 

The  Society  reappointed  the  Ilev.  Mr.  Co\  to  a  mission  of 
three  months  in  Uhode  Island,  with  particular  reference  to  the 
relicks  of  these  Indians,  at  Charlestown.  The  prepossebsions  of 
these  people  in  favour  of  their  ov.n  modes  of  worsliip.  to  the  e>clu- 
rion.  or  limited  indulgence,  of  divine  service  by  regularly  ordained 
miuisters,  of  such  especially,  as  are  even  suspected  ot  receiving 
compensation  tor  their  laboui's,  and  the  vicious  habits  of  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  adults,  induced  tlic  missionary  to  "  think  the  great- 
est prospect  of  good  must  be  with  tlie  young."  Accordiuglj,  after 
pving  previous  notice  of  the  design,  he  opened  a  school  for  their 
instruction  on  the  eleventh  of  June  last,  to  be  kept  five  days  in  a 
week.  From  about  ten  to  seventeen  attended  the  school.  Some  of 
the  Indians  being  apprehensive  that  they  should  lose  the  benefit  de- 
signetl  for  them  by  the  Society,  a  meeting  of  the  tribe  was  held  on 
the  first  of  July,  the  result  of  which  was  highly  favorable  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  mission.  The  missionary  made  a  prayer,  and  gave  a 
ohort  scriptural  illustration  of  some  truths,  pertaining  to  chrit^tian 
ministers,  which  arrested  attention,  and  called  forth  some  expres- 
sions of  approbation.  The  major  part  of  the  Indians  in  town,  it  was 
said,  Avere  present ;  and  they  unauimoucly  manifested  their  deske 
that  his  instructions  ol  their  children  might  continue,  and  th-  •  he 
might  preach  to  them,  when  they  were  not  su])p]ied  by  thems-.'lves. 
The}  also  signed  a  petition,  which  had  been  previously  signed  by 
the  Council,  to  that  purpose.     "  It  was  evident  that  they  had  the 


[>'"  a  fiiiiij, 
V.  Dan- 

at  Ihr. 

hJiHlinKiiit 

fHtili  n  fa. 

Jiior,  Mr. 

fJtquegt, 


It  Ik'hc  In- 

to  liavp 

'-«  oil  tlio 

'ti  Mliicli, 

;>ttPiifion 

iTccivcs 

fflioolH  ; 

i<  liatc  of 


isBi'on  of 
f;  to  tlie 
^mons  of 
fie  e>cJu- 
ord.iincd 
■eceiviiig 
ihe  prin- 
•e  great- 
ly.  after 
or  their 
!»}  s  in  a 
Some  of 
aefit  de- 
lield  on 
the  in- 
gave  a 
irit^tian 
J>[)res- 
it  was 
denire 
'•■  •  he 
'.'Ives, 
^d  by 
id  the 


37 

p*''|»tc«l  rr^ard  for  Ihr  rchool.  Sonic  whltr  people  wlnhcd  to  soiid 
llH'ir  cJiiidnri  :  Inil  iliis  nxctinp  «1  the  iHIm-  wen-  uiianimouiilf 
ngaiiiBt  tlir  :i<lniiht>inn  «»r  wliitc  rhildnu.  The)  Mtie  willing  that 
blarkis  not  of  the  tiihe,  Hhouhl  alHii<l." 

Ji'ftf  8.  "  Oldlin  niil  col<uu•^  23  frimr  for  hiMnirtion."  Tlu5 
V((k  folluuing,  "alioiit  20  aduHn  and  childrm  nllrndrd."  The 
first  Meek  in  Anpiht,  "from  alionl  IH  to  21  atlcndcd.  and  tiic  moft 
ronrtant  made  daily  iinprovenienl."  A  lorlnipht  after,  "alwut  15 
or  It;  generally  attended."  On  tlie  first  Mcinday  of  September, 
'*  more  than  M)  attended,  and  some  aged  people  of  the  trilx-."  At 
the  eloM'.  the  miMtionary  delivered  to  them  an  a<ldre«8  on  Kocleji. 
>ii.  I  ;  diKtrihnted  uhal  books  were  h:l't  on  huiui ;  and  took,  his 
leave  of  them. 

"  Of  the  in  Lord's  dayp,"  sayn  the  Journal,  "since  my  coming 
among  the  Indians,  the  minintry  of  the  vord  hah  been  attended 
villi  them  »o  much  as  there  w  as  any  prospect  of  doing  iheni  go(Mj." 
1'ln;  Hchool  was  kept  five  days  in  the  week  ;  and  17  coloured  peo- 
ple (of  the  tribe)  attended  at  difl'ercnt  times.  Some  wliiteK  also 
vere  taught  several  day».  "  Those,  who  moM  generally  attei.ded, 
were  about  one  half  of  nearly  adult  age,  and  made  gciod  Improve- 
ment. Some  can  rea<l  incorrectly  in  tlie  iSew  Testament;  otheiu 
can  read  easy  leesons ;  a  numlMir  can  w  rite ;  and  some  have  at- 
tended only  a  few  day b.  Woi-ship  was  attended  daily,  morning 
and  evening.  They  were  also  cvei-y  day  taught  the  command- 
ments, and  an  easy  catechism." 

The  fond  attachment  ol  the  church  to  its  own  modes,  '*  and  the 
inditference  o.  others  to  all  i-eiigion,"  render  the  prospect  of  good 
by  preaching,  at  present.  vj;iy  small.  It  is  therefore  suggested  by 
the  missionary ,  "  Whether  it  may  not  be  proper  to  appoint  a  man 
of  prayer,  of  suitable  age,  to  teach  a  school,  and  instruct  them  in 
the  doctrines  and  duties  of  our  iioly  religion." 

In  consideration  of  the  grant  of  the  Society  for  the  purpose  of 
building  a  school-house  in  Chariest  own,  for  the  Indians,  the  Hcv. 
Mr.  Tenney,  Secretary  of  the  Rho<le  Island  Missionary  Society, 
ivas  authorized  by  that  Society  to  go  to  Charlestown,  and,  taking 
the  advice  and  aid  of  a  judicious  gentleman,  to  contract  for  build- 
ing the  house. 

The  Indians  generally  assembled,  and  a  Iioui-e  of  18  feet  by  22 
was  engaged  to  be  finished  in  a  workmaidike  manner,  according  to 
the  opinion  of  cither  of  two  gentlemen  named,  by  the  25th  of  June, 
1812.  "  Mr.  Coe,"  Mr.  Tenney  observes  in  a  letter  to  the  Secre- 
tary, "  has  met  a  muclj  more  favourable  reception  this  season  than 
he  did  the  last ;  and  many  seemed  very  desirous  that  lie  should  be 
continued  longer.  I  was  fully  convinced,  that  he  has  been  of  very 
material  service  to  the  children  and  Tiulians  generally." 

On  the  day  when  the  missionary  took  leave  of  the  Indians,  Sep- 
tember 2,  he  received  an  address,  expressing  ^reat  satisfaction  iH 


38 


1' 


»'-*■ 


Itis  labours,  and  great  thankfulnof-ti  to  the  Society,  and  an  cai-nest 
dessire  th.  t  mishonai-}  aid  nia}  be  continued  to  tlie  tribe. 

The  .lecretai-) ,  passing  through  Charlebtov  u  in  SJeptemlei  had 
the  satisfaction  to  hear  a  coufu-niation  of  thcbe  facte  from  General 
Staunton,  Superintendaot  of  tlie  Indiaug.  v  ho  has  undertaken  the 
erection  of  the  Kcliool-house,  and  who  gives  assurance  of  its  com- 
pletion by  tlie  time  specified  in  the  contract.  The  general  liveg 
near  the  Indian  village,  and  appears  to  have  the  confidence  of  the 
tribe.  In  his  hands  the  Secretary  left  several  Bibles,  vhich  he 
carried  from  the  iJible  Society  of  Massachusetts;  one  of  vhich,  a 
large  handsome  copy,  he  directed  to  the  Tresiden'  of  the  Coun- 
cil,  Vi  ho  can  read ;  and  the  rest  to  his  cai-e,  to  distribute  an-.ong  the 
tribe  at  his  discre'ion.  Here  iie  had  an  iiitervicM'  with  a  preacher, 
who  at  pres-ent  is  their  stated  [)ublick  religious  instn  cter.  he  is 
a  nmiatto  man.  not  belonging  to  the  tribe.  He  appeared  iutelli- 
geut  and  serious ;  but  acknov  ledged  that  he  cmdt/  not  read!  He 
e^presfccd,  hoA*  ever,  a  strong  desire  to  leain  ;  and  said  that,  had 
Mr.  <  oeconthmed  longer  at  Charlestown,  he  would  gladiy  have 
learned  to  read  of  him. 

Penolscots. 

Nothing  new  has  occuired  in  regard  to  these  Indians.  The 
Hev.  Mr.  Jenks,  vho  has  lately  visited  them,  b)  appointment  of 
the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  observes,  in  a  letter  to  the  Secreta- 
ry. 22  November  :  "  I  found  the  Indians  quite  unprepared,  as  yet, 
for  the  special  attention  of  the  Societ}  lor  propagating  the  gotpel. 
They  were  somewhat  jealous  in  respect  to  a  scliool.  I  did  not 
therefore  think  it  prudent  to  propose  it,  in  direct  terms,  to  the 
Council.  As  my  business  w  as  of  an  agricultural  nature,  at  the 
first  visit  I  confined  my  views  principally  to  the  object  contem- 
plated in  my  commission.  I  found  Mr.  Romague  vers  ready  to 
cooperate  in  this.  He  accompanied  me,  and  was  pleased  to  serve, 
as  an  Interpreter." — One  of  the  society's  missionaries  (Mr.  Saw- 
yer) takes  notice  of  these  Indians  in  his  Journal.  "  Attempted  to 
prevail  Avith  the  Penobscot  Indians  to  go  on  to  their  lands,  as  tliey 
are  convened  [at  Bangor]  to  receive  their  corn,  &c.  After  they 
had  received  their  com,  had  an  interview  with  them,  and  Mieir 
agent.  General  Hlake.  Conversed  with  a  number  of  their  chiefs 
and  others  ou  the  subject  of  settling  upon  their  lands,  and  having 
a  school  fo)'  children,  ■*^c.  The  proposals  appeared  pleasing  to 
them  and  their  agent,  beyond  what  was  expected." 

Wyandots. 

The  Society  has  contributed  seventy  four  dollars,  this  year,  to- 
ward the  support  of  the  mission  at  Sandus-k} .  By  a  letter  '"rom 
Rev.  Ml-.  Badges,  the  late  missionary,  to  tJi3  Secretary,  dated  at 


i 


1.  •*   -i 


..-  •'«  t 


,1*--   ~~      J,'.'..   ••♦  -♦    ----- 


^  » *  •  - » - 


|n  earnest 

tiifcei  had 
Genrral 
[aken  (he 
its  f  om- 
feral  Jivee 
Ice  of  the 
|vhich  he 
V  hich,  a 
fie  Coun- 
iTtovg  the 
[pieacher, 
Ke  is 
N  iiiteJli- 
pflrf.'  He 
['hat.  had 
Mi>"  have 


Ins.    The 

[iitment  of 

^ecreta- 

d  at  jet, 
•f  gofpel. 
f  did  not 
s,  to  the 
«,  at  the 
t  contein- 
ready  to 
to  serve, 
'Jr.  Saw- 
npted  to 
i  at  they 
er  they 
id  Mieir 
ir  chiefs 

having 
tsiug  to 


;ar,  to- 
r  0-om 
ated  at 


39 

Ashtabula  in  May  last,  it  appears,  that  the  prospect  of  the  succew 
of  that  mission  is  far  loss  favoiuahle  than  it  was  home  time  ^iiiee. 
*'  Tlie  Western  Misfiionary  Board  have  ^iven  up  the  iden  of  lur- 
nishiiig  preaching  to  the  Indians.  The  Interpreter  has  left  thentj.** 
They  have  still,  however,  a  school  master  for  their  children,  "  a 
christian  character,  and  a  licensed  preacher  of  the  presbvterian  oi^ 
der.'  Mr.  Badger  encourages  the  expectation,  that  he  Avill  finidi 
the  History  of  the  Mission,  parts  of  wliicli  have  already  appeared 
in  the  publick  Journals.  "  It  is  generally  thought,"  he  obficrves, 
"  a  Tiost  di<ricuU  matter  to  bring  our  Indian  neighbours  to  adopt 
either  civil  or  religious  habits.  Their  habits  of  life  and  prejudices 
are  deeply  rooted  ;  and  the  reducing  of  rude,  uncultivated  minds 
to  re  Inement  must  be  the  eTt".t  of  patient  perseverance.  But  the 
most  serious  and  weighty  obstacles,  which  are  found  in  the  -vay  of 
this  most  interesting  concern,  spring  from  their  intercourse  with 
those,  who  consider  themselves  most  civilized." 


DISTRICT  OF  MAINE. 

The  Rev.  David  Smith,  having  been  appointed  in  Nov.  1809, 
to  a  mission  of  four  months  in  the  vicinity  of  Temple,  performed 
that  service  the  last  year.  During  this  mission  86  sermons  ^  ere 
preached;  130  family  visits  made:  4  conferences  attended,  one 
ehurch  fast,  aud  one  council,  "  to  regulate  some  church  difTiculties  ;'* 
the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered  twice,  and  there  w  ere  (>  bap- 
tisms. "  There  has  been  a  very  general  attention  to  meeting,"  says 
the  missionary,  "  in  almost  all  the  places  that  I  visited.  The 
people  aie  in  a  a  very  destitute  state  in  this  region,  in  consc'^mence 
of  divisionii  and  inability.  There  is  not  a  8ettle4l  minister  w  ithin 
thirty  miles,  of  our  order."  A  committee, '  by  order  of  the  church, 
aud  at  the  request  of  the  Society,"  in  Temple,  have  expreseed  a 
very  grateful  sense  of  the  benefit  the-v  have  received  in  the  aid  af- 
forded them  by  the  -lociety,  for  the  settlement  of  the  gospel  among 
them ;  and  solicited  further  assistance.  Mr.  Smith  has  according- 
ly been  reappointed  to  a  tuissioa  of  three  moathcs  tliis  year,  at 
Temple  and  the  vicinity. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lovejov  performed,  the  last  year,  a  mission  of 
four  months  at  Vassalborough  and  the  vicinity.  He  preached  7 
sabbaths  at  SedgAvick,  1  at  ITnity.  ~  at  Fairfax,  1  at  Clinton  and 
the  remainder  at  Vassalborough-  During  tlie  mission,  he  preach- 
ed for  the  Societv  65  times,  attended  \  meetings  fw  |)rayer  and  re- 
ligious conversation,  and  catechised  children  9  times.  In  the 
courne  of  the  last  year  3  persons  have  been  admitted  to  the 
eommuoioa  of  the  church  at  Vassalborough,  and  8  cUildreu  bap- 


40 


tizetl  there,  and  2  at  Faiifax.  "  A  few  persons  have  been  incor- 
porated at  Vassalborough,  and  organized  into  a  religious  Society. 
They  have  voted  to  raise  money  in  the  same  proportion  for  preacli- 
ing,  as  heretofore  they  have  raised  by  bubscription."  Mr.  1  jove- 
joy  has  been  appointed  to  a  mission  of  three  months,  this  year, 
in  the  same  region,  but  with  particular  reference  to  Fairfield, 
which  is  judged  to  be  "a  more  favourable  stand  at  present  than 
Sedgwick." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  May  performed  a  mission  of  three  months,  the 
last  year,  at  Brown ville  and  its  vicinity.  He  preaclied  82  ser- 
mons, attended  2  funerals,  one  advisory  council,  one  church  meet- 
ing, visited  a  school  twice,  visited  many  families,  beside  the  time 
expended  in  preparation  for  the  sabbath.  On  the  16tli  of  Septem- 
ber, Mr.  May  administered  baptism  to  an  infant  child  at  Brown- 
ville ;  which  Avas  the  fu^t  administration  of  this  ordinance  in  that 
township.  At  another  time  he  visited  a  sick  man,  who  "  gladly 
received  a  Bible  fi-om  the  Society,  being  poor  and  destitute  of  an 
entire  copy  of  the  sacred  oracles."  "  The  success  of  the  mission 
hitherto  has  been  such  as  may  commonly  be  supposed  to  be  ob- 
tained where  there  is  no  special  attention  to  religion.  In  Brown- 
ville,"  says  Mr.  May  in  his  Journal,  "  I  have  generally  counted 
from  20  to  30  hearers,  and  nearly  the  same  number  in  the  Sebec 
and  Williamsburg  settlement.  The  number  of  hearers  however 
has  been  on  the  increase  since  I  came  among  them,  as  is  also  the 
emigration  into  the  townships.  The  sabbath  is  much  less  profaned 
by  some ;  it  is  more  generally  respected  by  the  people  at  large 
than  in  times  past.  The  minds  of  many  are  better  furnished  with 
religious  truths  which  have  a  salutaiy  influence  upon  the  publick 
morals.  On  the  Avhole,  I  see  nothing  to  forbid  the  hope  that  the 
good  which  the  Society  aim  at  in  supporting  the  mission  may  not  be 
yet  more  fully  obtained.  It  seems  to  be  the  order  of  heaven,  that 
those  who  sow  precious  seed  should  oftentimes  wait  long  for  full 
returns."       :.  t  ..■  .    >     .    »      •  -j.? 


The  Rev.  Mr.  Sawyer  performed  a  mission  of  three  months,  at 
Lincoit  .;ton,  Elkinston,  and  the  vicinity.  He  commenced  his 
missionary  labours  1 3  October,  1810,  and  closed  them  in  January 
following.  They  appear  to  have  been  grai  fully  received.  "  The 
situation  of  the  church  and  people  in  those  infant  plantations  evi- 
dently calls  for  missionary  aid.  The  Lord's  supper,  as  appears  by 
the  missionary's  Journal,  had  been  administered  but  once  "  here  iu 
the  wilderness."  In  January  Mr.  Sawyer,  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
May  of  Bi-ownville,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Blood  ol  Buckston,  formed  a 
council,  at  the  request  of  the  church  and  ueople  at  I^incolnston, 
to  advise  to  the  best  means  to  be  adopted  to  have  the  gospel 
statedly  preached  among  them.     "The  council  exhibited  their 


.I".. 


41 


liicor- 
)ciety. 
reach- 

year, 
irfield, 
it  thau 


advice  in  Miitliig,  and  left  these  plantations, apparently  raucU 
pleased  with  what  the}  had  witiiensed  in  the  church  and  people, 
and  with  the  hojjel'iil  prosi)cct  of  good  to  them.  The  situation  of 
this  little  church  and  these  infant  settlements,"  observes  (he  mis- 
sionary, "  in  the  centre  between  Penobscot  and  Kennebcck  rivers, 
in  a  very  fertile  part  of  the  countrj,  appears  very  iiileresliiig.  and 
I  greatly  rejoice  that  the  Soci(  ty  has  granted  such  timely  and  bt- 
ncvoleut  assistance." 


Mr.  Samuel  Sf,av\t-l,  of  Bath,  has  performed  a  mission  of  six 
^veeks,  for  tiie  Society,  in  the  vicinity  of  Pownal.     He  preached 
at  Litchfield,  at  Bowdoin,  at  Hebron,  at  Waldoborough,  at  1  oland, 
and  at  Sumner.     At  Litchfield,  "  those  avIio  wish  for  congregation- 
al preaching  have  heretofore  been  very  destitute."     At  Hebron 
there  "  is  a  small  congregational  church,  in  a  very  destitute,  and, 
in   some  sense,  a  divided  situation.     They  have  a  meeting  house 
in    building.     I   visited    a   school,"    says   the    missionary,    "  in 
a  tolerable   state  of  improvement,  but  veiy   destitute  of  school 
books,    esi)ecially  Bibles  and   Psalters.      Of  thc,',c    I    presented 
them   with  a  number  from  your  bounty."     In  a  part  of  Waldo- 
borough,  called  Dutch  Neck,  he  preached  to  a  large   collection 
of   persons,    principally    Germans.      "  They  were   veiy    atten- 
tive, and  desired  him  to  come  again.     They  appeared  to  under- 
stand very  well,  lljougli  there  was  but  o.ae  man  in  that  section  of 
the  t^wn,  wlio  Avas  not  a  German,  and  no  man  ever  preaclied  there 
in  the  English  language  before  him."     Poland  "is  in  a  destitute, 
broken,  divided  situation."     A  few  Psalters  were  left  here  for  the 
use  of  scliools   '^.c.     In  the  whole  period  the  mi«sIonary  preached 
41  sermons,  made  about  57  family  visits,  attended  2  conferences, 
and  visited  1  school  and  2  sick  persons. 

Mr.  Ephraim  Abbot  began  his  mJfesionaiy  labours  in  Robbins- 
tOAvn.,  Calais,  Denneysville,  and  r-everal  neighbouring  townships,  .Tuly 
9,1811.  In  the  above  to uns  he  was  receiAed  very  cordially. 
In  some  of  the  neighlwnring  townships  Mr.  A.  found  the  state  of 
religion  and  learning  very  loAV.  They  have  no  meetings,  no 
schools,  and  it  may  almost  be  said  no  religious  books.  The  moral 
and  religious  advantages  of  these  people  are  apparently  much  less 
than  those  of  the  Indians  in  this  neighhourliood.  The  Indians 
Lave  a  priest  residing  Avith  tliem  a  coiisidenble  part  of  the  year; 
and  Avhen  they  have  not  a  priest,  they  uniformly  assemble  at  the 
regular  seasons  of  devotion,  and  conduct  their  worship  Avith  gieat 
seriousness,  decency,  and  solenmity.  The  Indians  have  freijuent 
intercourse  with  civilized  society,  and  many  of  them  are  honest, 
temperate,  and  chaste  in  their  conversatiosi.  But  the  inhab'tants 
of  some  of  these  townshi;)s  are  almost  entirely  excluded  from  the 
sight  of  society.      They  have  no  regular  seasons  for  religious  Avor- 

F, 


42 


4,; 


V 


n 


'i       Vt,:'»> 


V 


?■'■ 

'It 


h 


ship.  C'hilflrcn  have  been  born  here,  and  liave  grown  almost  to 
maturity,  w ho  cannot  read  a  vord  in  the  Bible.  That  intemper- 
ance should  prevail  in  such  a  state  of  society,  we  cannot  wonder. 
The  establisliment  of  good  schoolr.  w  ould  do  much  tOM  avds  shedding 
light  over  this  dark  region.  The  inhabitants  are  poor,  but  are 
willing  to  do  something,  if  aided  by  the  Society;  and  an  offer  has 
been  made  by  an  agent  of  the  proprietors  to  build  school-houses  in 
two  of  the  townships,  if  the  Society  will  furnish  books,  and  jirovide 
and  in  part  support  an  iostructer. 

Mr.  Cook,  preceptor  of  the  academy  in  Frj'ehurg,  preached 
fifteen  sabbaths  agreeably  to  his  appointment,  in  Hiiam,  Lovel, 
Chatham  (N.  H.),  Bartlett  (N.  II.),  and  Denmark,  towns  in  the 
vicinit}-  of  Frj  ebiirg.  "  Hiram  contains  fifty  families.  The}'  have 
no  place  for  publick  worehip.  The  meeting  was  in  a  poor  school- 
house.  About  fifty  people  were  present,  who  appeared  devout  and 
attentive."  The  missionary  afterwards  found  a  gi-eater  audience 
in  this  place.  Numbers  were  present  from  the  adjacent  towns.  A 
third  time  he  preached  there  "  to  a  numerous  assembly,  who  ap- 
peared devotional,  and  very  grateful  for  the  benefits  bestowed  on 
them."  At  Lovel  Mr-  Cook  preached  to  an  audience  of  at  least 
one  hundred  people.  The  inhabitants  of  the  toAvn  are,  with  few 
exceptions,  congregationalists,  and  have  a  church  regidarl)  organ- 
ized." At  Chatham  he  "  preached  in  a  private  Iioiise  to  about 
thirty  people.  About  thirty  families,  of  diHerent  denominations, 
livejn  the  town.  To  encourage  this  people  to  do  something  for 
themselves,"  the  missionaiy  "  ot'Tered  them  a  sabbath's  additional 
preaching,  provided  they  would  have  and  support  a  good  singing 
school  one  month ;  ^^ Inch  they  agieed  to."  He  afterward  preach- 
ed here  to  "  an  audience  of  forty  ;  found  the  singing  in  a  state  of 
improvement,  and  a  school  for  cultivating  music,  under  the  care  of 
a  capable,  well  informed  master."  At  Bartlett  he  "  preached  to 
an  audience  of  about  two  hundred  people,  who  were  attentive  and 
devout."  At  Denmark  he  "  had  an  aud'ence  of  about  fifty,  men, 
women,  and  children,  \>  ho  m  ere  principally  Baptists."  He  "  met 
•with  a  kind  reception  at  the  different  places  he  visited,"  and  had 
leason  to  believe  that  his  labours  Mere  serviceable  to  the  cause  of 
Christ.  "  The  schools,"  in  the  vicinity  of  this  missionary',  "  are,  in 
general,  conducted  on  better  principles"  than  they  were  formerly  : 
convenient  houses  for  the  piupose  are  building ;  more  regard  is 
paid  to  the  education  and  morals  of  the  mastere ;  and  the  literary 
prospect  is  encouraging.  "  Considerable  money  is  annually  ex- 
pended for  schools  and  the  IiighAva-"  s  ;  but  that  there  should  ex- 
ist a  cold  indifference  in  regard  lo  the  support  of  the  gospel — that 
the  spiritual  welfare  is  so  little  thought  of,  is  indeed  a  souice  of 
melancholy  to  the  pious  mind," 


'{ 


dol 

mi 


Sod 
III 


post  to 
tniper- 
loiider. 

edding 
lilt  are 
Ifer  has 

If  es  in 
krovide 


\i 


43 

RHODE  ISLAND. 
The  mission  of  the  Rev.  Mr,  Coe,  this }  ear,  having  been  pecii 
liarJv  designed  for  the  benefit  of  the  Narraja;antet  Indians,  iie  per- 
formed but  little  service  among  the  white  inhabitants.  He  preach- 
ed, however,  at  Charlestown,  to  an  audience  of  white  people;  in  a 
scliool-liouse  at  Richmond,  and  at  Mumford's  Mills  in  the  vicini- 
ty ;  at  South  Kingston,  and  at  Tower  Hill  in  that  town.  He  ex- 
pounded the  scriptures ;  gave  religious  counsel  to  individuals  and 
families ;  and  distributed  the  Society's  books.  His  aeco'uit  of  the 
state  of  religion  among  the  white  inhabitants,  in  the  region  hich 
he  visited,  gives  an  allecting  confirmation  of  the  prefpding  accounts 
in  our  Journals,  and  shows  the  extreme  want  of  the  labours  of  in- 
telligent, discreet,  and  pious  niissionarief . 

NEW  YORK. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Oliver  h."'-;  performed  a  mission  of  two  months 
in  the  north  Avest  part  of  this  b!ate.  During  his  mission  he  travel- 
led upwards  of  1  lOO  milc^; ;  preached  49  times  ;  baptized  2  chil- 
dren ;  attended  4  conference  meetings ;  visited  5  sick  personu ; 
attended  2  funerals  ;  was  moderator  at  2  church  meetings ;  visited 
77  families;  and  distributed  a  large  number  of  religious  books. 
"  These  books  were  gratefuU)-  received  by  poor  people  and  chil- 
dren ;  and  their  thanks,  1  the  missionary,  are  returned  to  the  be- 
nevolent donors.*  "Mai;  of  these  books  are  gone  more  than  three 
hundred  miles  beyond  the  Genesee  river,  Avhere  moral  instruction  is 
very  much  Avanted.  For  religious  worship  the  people  assembled  as 
well  as  could  be  expected.  They  appeared  to  be  grateful  to  the 
Society  for  granting  them  religion*  instniction,  and  return  their 
tlianks,  with  a  desire  foi*  more  missionary  service.  Should  the  Soci- 
ety w  ish  to  send  missionaries  into  the  State  of  New  York,  there  is 
such  an  immense  tract  of  missionary"  ground,  that  it  is  difficult  to  de- 
termine where  it  is  best  for  them  to  be  sent.  After  you  pass  the  north 
river  at  Hudson,  between  the  North  and  South  Turnpikes,  and 
south  of  the  South  Turnpike,  clear  on  to  the  Genesee  river,  and  north 
of  the  North  Turnpike  completely  on  to  said  river,  there  is  room  for 
missionaiy  semces.  And  after  you  paPs  the  Genesee  river  for 
300  miles  west,  peo|)le  have  moved  on.  But  it  is  of  importance  that 
Societies  should  be  sup])lied  this  hide  of  the  river  ;  for  those  be- 
yond vili  take  their  complexion  from  tue  conduct  of  well  estal)- 
iished  Societies  this  way." 

The  Society,  at  its  annual  meeting  in  May  last,  granted  25 
dollars  to  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  for  tlie  encouragement  of 
Mr.  Chapin's  settlement  at  I'ownal ;  50  dollars  to  the  Pitcataqua 

•The  priiK'ipal  donors  were  William  Piiii.r.jps,  Esq  Presidcnf  of  the 
Society,  his  Houor  W  nil  am  fiRAV,  Tsii.  Lieut.  Ciovernor,  ami  Mr. 
Henuy  Gka  v.   "- 


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44 


i\li?Hionaiy  Society,  for  tlir  bciurit  ol'llie  Islo  of  Plioals;  and  !;>() 
dollar!-  for  hooks.'  Tlir  books  have  been  purchased,  and  sent  to 
the  District  of  IMainc  for  distribution. 


Amount  of  stock  on  intcreBt,  May,  lUl  1 
Probable  income 


KTATF.MKNT  01'  THE  FUNDS. 

.      .  S2J^"I2,  1.". 

Donation  of  William  I'hililps,  Esq.  received  3t!i.  Septem- 
ber to  be  cvpended  the  c.irrent  )  ear  .  500,  00 
Donation  of  Doct.  llohoke  of  Salem               .  10,  (»(> 

IC?"  Included  in  tliis  amount  is  fhe  sum  of  ?>or.l)1.  !>{>.  the  do- 
nation of  John  Alford.  Esq.  The  inlcK'st  of  wliicli.  l.-eing 
$507,  50,  is  appropriated  to  the  use  of  tlie  Indians  exclusiveis. 

Cash  on  hand,      $152,70 


Mission.irlcs. 

Rev.  ITezekiali  May 
David  Smith, 


MlSSIOXARtES  FOR  A.D.  181 1. 

I'laccs  of  Abode. 

Broviivilh;, 
Temple, 

Edmund  Eastman,  Luncrick, 

\'ar.salboro'' 
Andovev, 
Hath, 

INewmarket, 
N.  Stockb. 


Daniel  Lovejoy, 

Mr.  Ephraim  Abbot, 
Mr.  Samuel  Seuall, 
Rev.  Curtis  Coe, 
■  John  Sergeant, 


Locations.  INIoiitlis 

V'icinit;  of  Biowiivillc  II 
Temple  and  Vi<ini(y  o 
)odstock  and  vicini- 
011  St.  .lohn's  river  I 
X'ass.dboro'  and  vicinity  : 
Ilohbinstoii  and  vicinity  '. 
V  iciniiy  of  I'ownal  ', 

Narra^aiiset 
N.  Stockbridsc  Indians  l; 


^  Wo 
f  ly,  ( 


OFFICERS  ELECTED  .MAY  1811. 

William  Phillips,  Esq.  President. 

Rev.  John  Lathuop,  D.  D.  Vice  President. 

Rev.  A  KIEL  HoLMF.s,  D.  D.  Secretary. 

Rev.  William  E.  Channing,  Assistant  Srcrclan/. 

Mr.  S.vMUKL  H.  Wallf.v,  Treasurer. 

Rev.  John  Eliot,  D.  D.  Vice  2'reasurer. 

Select  Cmnwittcc. 

Samuel  Salishunj,  Eso.  ITon  Dudlci/  A.  Tijns;,  Hon.  John  Davis, 
Rev.  Jc  li;liah  3Iorse.  D.  D.  Rev.  John  Kliot,  I).  D.  with  the  Presi- 
ilcnt,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer. 

FORM  OF  REQl  i:s;r  OR  LEGACY. 

Item      I  ccivc  and  fn'ipji'iUlt  tlw  sum  of  to  the  Socitiv  for  I'vopa- 

gatini-;  tlie  f-onf)'  I  innninf  tlie  fudiana  inid  ot/iei;i  in  A'ort/i  .liiierini;  1o  he 
Jippliuil  I'ithcr  t)  llu'  tjenci'al  objects  of  tlie  Institiilioii,  or  to  such  |iiirticilhir 
purposes,  consistent  with  those  objects,  as  the  lioiiuf  may  think  pi-oper. 


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